If a car's thermostat needs replacing is it a serious problem?

Question

I am looking at a car (Fiat Punto) and the owner said the thermostat will need replacing, is this a serious problem and how much do they cost, are they hard to fit for a mechanic?? Is it vital for a car to have a thermostat, Thanks in advance for all answers.

Answer 1

you do need a working one, but it's not vital. i ran w/ a broken one for 40,000 miles. you can probably do it yourself, unless it's buried. just take it to a mechanic, shouldn't be more than like 20-30 bucks.

Answer 2

Replacing A Car Thermostat

Answer 3

Replacing a Thermostat

The thermostat is an important element in your cooling system. When an engine heats up, the thermostat opens up like a door to allow the coolant to circulate through the radiator and through the motor to cool it down.

Your car's thermostat should be replaced every two to three years. It's a simple procedure to replace it, and the part is inexpensive. Timely replacement of old thermostats may save you a lot of money and headache by preventing a serious breakdown in your cooling system.

Answer 4

The thermostat regulates the temperature of the coolant in the engine. How does the owner know it needs replacing? Most thermostats are relatively inexpensive, and not very difficult for a skilled mechanic. However, if a car is driven extended distances without a properly functioning one, it can lead to overheating. Also, in some cases, it can lead to coolant leakage, which can lead to overheating, which if severe enough can lead to a cracked block, blown heads and all sorts of other problems, which are major and cost $$$$$$$$$.

If you are seriously considering purchasing this car, take a mechanic with you and let him look at it. Once it's yours, all the problems and repair bills are yours, too.

Answer 5

Wow, I cannot believe an ASE technician would say "overcooling". OK, I guess I can. I never trust them. Anyway, the primary job of a thermostat is to stop the flow of water (coolant) so that it can sit in the radiator for a minute and cool down. When it opens up, the water in the engine is pushed into the radiator and the cooler water in the radiator is drawn into the engine's water jacket. When the cooler water gets to the thermostat, it will close again. Usually, the thermostat will stick shut and it is most common at the beginning of winter for some reason. When it sticks shut, there is little to no circulation of water through your engine. That is when the engine overheats. Good luck. Hope this explaination helps.

Answer 6

First of all your thermostat is the cars temp guage so your car rerally needs it. Is it a serious problem? I think not, but I am not an expert. As far as costs I would get a new one for the car your looking at. I'm guessing two hundred ta three hundred for the whole operation. It also could be less. Labor depends upon who you go to. I hope this helps you.

Answer 7

Thermostat's are usually very easy to replace. I did one on my car and I am a girl. If you want heat then you need one. You can call any auto part's store and get the price--the guy at autozone was the one who walked me through how to put it on they are very nice and helpful there. If you take it to a mechanic it will maybe run close to $75 with labor.

Answer 8

This might not me much help but a thermostat is usually pretty cheap (under$20) and easy to put in I ve heard . I think ya just unscrew somthing and drop it in not sure though

Answer 9

It is usually an easy part to replace and relatively cheep. I am not familiar with your make/model of car, but I have replaced many in Chevy's and Fords...

Answer 10

Yes. If it already has one in it and it sticks you will overheat the engine causing more problems. A thermostat is not that expensive and relatively easy to change.