why does an engine need a thermostat in it ?

Question

I just had to have my thermostat replaced and it got me wondering why an engine needs one. Wouldn't it run cooler without one and wouldn't that put less stress on the engines parts. Just wondering .

Answer 1

There is an optimum temperature for efficient running of any engine. The thermostat helps the engine keep at that temperature by controlling the flow of coolant through the radiator and if necessary turning on the fan.

Answer 2

"Wouldn't it run cooler without one"



Definitely.



"...and wouldn't that put less stress on the engines parts."



No. The best temperature is above a minimum and below a maximum. Without a thermostat the engine would be operating below the minimum temperature.

Answer 3

A thermostat establishes a minimum operating temperature for your engine. The cooling system will reach a steady state that may be higher then your thermostat temp. If you don't use a thermostat,the coolant won't sit in the radiator long enough to cool down and your car will overheat.

Answer 4

the thermostat monitors the engine temperature,meaning if its too cold you will see it on your dashboard and if too hot you will see the needle go up,so in short it helps you keep aware of the temperature of the car .hope your car doesnt overheat

Answer 5

A thermostat gives a faster rise in temperature to the engine, which makes the engine run more effeciently. It will only open when the engine tempreature is correct. It also saves Fuel in cold running. Withour it you would use more fuel and take much longer for the engine to run at the right temperature.

Answer 6

Today's computer controlled cars operate at maximum efficiency when the coolant temperature is between 180 - 192 degrees F. The thermostat controls the water temperature. Without a thermostat the coolant could be too low and cause th car to perform poorly ,or could be too high, and cause heat damage to the engine.

Answer 7

The thermostat is needed to allow the engine to run at its optimum temperature range. Without a thermostat, in cold weather, the engine wouldn't come up to temp... and you'll have poorer fuel mileage, and the tendency for water vapor to accumulate in the exhaust system as a few examples. So, in reality, the thermostat helps get the engine to a temp that puts less stress on engine parts and allows it to operate with the utmost efficiency.

Answer 8

so u can tell if its overheating

Answer 9

The motor needs a thermostat so that it runs at the temperature it was designed to be most efficient at. You run the motor too cold and it will carbon up and need more gas to burn.