Automotive cooling system is one of the key guarantees for the normal operation of the engine, and Thermostat as one of the core components of the cooling system, its role is crucial. The thermostat not only helps the engine reach the operating temperature quickly, but also precisely regulates the flow of coolant during operation, ensuring that the engine is always within the optimal operating temperature range. This article will discuss in detail the role of the thermostat, its working principle and its importance in the automotive cooling system.

The role of the thermostat

The main function of the thermostat is to regulate the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator, thus controlling the operating temperature of the engine. Specifically, the role of the thermostat includes the following aspects:

1. Fast heating

When the engine starts cold, the thermostat is turned off, preventing coolant from flowing to the radiator. This allows the engine to heat up quickly to operating temperature (typically around 90°C), reducing mechanical wear during cold starts and improving fuel combustion efficiency.

2. Maintain optimum operating temperature

Running an engine at too high or too low a temperature will affect its performance and life. By controlling the flow of coolant, the thermostat ensures that the engine temperature is always kept within the design range, avoiding overheating or overheating.

3. Improve fuel economy

When the engine is operated at the right temperature, fuel burns more fully, thus reducing fuel consumption. Thermostats indirectly improve fuel economy by adjusting the temperature.

4. Reduce emissions

When the engine temperature is too low, incomplete combustion leads to more harmful emissions (such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons). Thermostats help reduce exhaust emissions and meet environmental requirements by maintaining the right temperature.

5. Protect the engine

The thermostat prevents the engine from overheating, avoiding parts damage caused by high temperatures (such as cylinder gaskets burning, piston rings stuck, etc.), but also prevents the engine from being too cold and reduces internal wear.

How a thermostat works

At the heart of the thermostat is a heat-sensitive element, usually made of a waxy material. Its working principle is based on the physical characteristics of thermal expansion and cold contraction, and the specific process is as follows:

1. Cold start phase

When the engine first starts, the coolant temperature is low, the waxy material in the thermostat is solid, and the valve is closed. At this time, the coolant only circulates inside the engine (small circulation) and does not flow to the radiator, thus helping the engine to heat up quickly.

2. Temperature rise stage

As the engine runs, the coolant temperature gradually rises. When the temperature reaches the opening temperature of the thermostat (usually 80°C-90°C), the waxy material begins to melt and expand, pushing the valve to gradually open.

3. Big cycle stage

When the coolant temperature rises further to the full open temperature (usually 95°C-105°C), the thermostat valve fully opens and the coolant begins to flow to the radiator (large circulation), through which the heat is dissipated into the air, thereby reducing the coolant temperature.

4. Temperature regulation stage

When the coolant temperature drops, the waxy material contracts and the valve gradually closes, reducing the flow of coolant to the radiator. This dynamic regulation mechanism ensures that the engine temperature is always within the optimal range.

The impact of thermostat failure

If the thermostat malfunctions, it can cause the following problems:

1. The thermostat is stuck in the off state

The coolant cannot flow to the radiator, causing the engine to overheat, which can cause engine damage in severe cases.

2. The thermostat is stuck on

The coolant is always in a state of large circulation, and the engine cannot reach the operating temperature, resulting in decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and accelerated engine wear.

3. Slow response or inaccurate adjustment

The thermostat cannot adjust the coolant flow in a timely manner, resulting in fluctuations in engine temperature, affecting performance and life.

How do I maintain my thermostat

In order to ensure the normal operation of the thermostat, the owner should regularly check the cooling system and pay attention to the following:

1. Replace the coolant regularly

Aging and contamination of the coolant may affect the performance of the thermostat, and it is recommended to replace the coolant regularly as required by the vehicle maintenance manual.

2. Check the working status of the thermostat

If the engine temperature is abnormal (such as overheating or warming too slowly), the thermostat should be checked in time to see if it is working properly.

3. Replace damaged thermostats

Thermostats usually have a certain service life and should be replaced in time if they fail.

Summary

Thermostats play an integral role in a car's cooling system. By precisely regulating the flow of coolant, it ensures that the engine quickly reaches and maintains the optimal operating temperature, thereby improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and extending engine life. For car owners, understanding the role of the thermostat and maintaining the cooling system regularly is an important measure to ensure vehicle performance and driving safety. Although the thermostat is small, it is one of the keys to the efficient operation of the car.