Can I drive my Subaru without a thermostat?

Can I Drive My Subaru Without a Thermostat?
Driving a Subaru without a thermostat is not advised. The thermostat in a car plays an important role in regulating the flow of engine coolant from the engine to the radiator. Modern engines use a dual-acting thermostat which closes off a bypass port when it opens, stopping coolant recirculating around the engine and sending it to be cooled through the radiator. Removing the thermostat can lead to inefficient fuel combustion, decreased performance, increased emissions, poor fuel economy, and cooler engine temperatures, which can cause increased wear due to ineffective lubrication.
If the air temperature drops across the radiator, the water could be constantly cooled to below the optimum range and constantly pumped around the engine. This can have potential negative effects on the engine, especially during long motorway drives.
It’s important to note that driving without a thermostat can cause major problems with the engine, particularly when the air temperature drops across the radiator, leading to constantly cooled water and potential distortion of the cylinder shape.
In the case of a Subaru Legacy experiencing overheating issues, it’s recommended to ensure that the cooling system is properly maintained and that the thermostat is correctly rated and functioning properly. Additionally, it’s advised to use the appropriate coolant for the Subaru model to maintain the cooling system’s efficiency.
In summary, while it may be possible to drive a Subaru without a thermostat for short distances, it is not recommended due to the potential negative effects on engine performance and longevity.

How fast will a car overheat with a bad thermostat?

Your vehicle’s coolant thermostat can fail in any of four different ways. Stuck closed = Very bad. The vehicle will overheat quickly. (usually less than 10 min) If equipped, the Check Engine Light (CEL) or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on.

Does it hurt an engine to run without a thermostat?

Running a car without a thermostat is not a good idea because it can lead to a variety of problems. Furthermore, if the thermostat is removed, the overall performance of the vehicle suffers: Coolant/antifreeze – The thermostat is a simple valve located between the radiator and the engine.

What happens if I drive my car with a broken thermostat?

Overheating Engine
Finally, a faulty thermostat may never release the coolant into the engine. When this happens, your engine will get too hot very quickly once you start driving your automobile. Again, an overheated engine can cause engine damage, including severe damage such as a cracked engine block.

What happens if you run no thermostat in car?

As a result, driving a car without a thermostat degrades vehicle performance. Engine Parts – It is critical for drivers to warm up the engine before starting it, as starting a cold engine causes parts to wear out. Because the bad components are not isolated from the oil, the engine’s life is rapidly reduced.

What happens if you drive with no thermostat?

So just keep that in mind. So if you’re worried about overheating or operating temperatures because you’ve done a bunch of upgrades. Then really what you need to be doing is upgrading your radiator.

How far can I drive with a bad thermostat?

The furthest you can drive an overheating car is about a ¼ mile before you risk irreversible engine damage. While some vehicles could still make it as far as 20 miles, we would never recommend driving very far with an overheating engine.

Is it OK to remove thermostat from car?

“A car’s thermostat plays a vital role in controlling engine temperature. Removing it can lead to severe consequences, including overheating, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage,” they said.

How do I know if my car is overheating without a thermostat?

Signs Your Car is Overheating

1. Hot Hood: When the engine is switched on, you may anticipate the hood to produce heat and feel hot.
2. Smoke or Steam: The sight of a billowing steam plume emerging from beneath your hood is an indication that your engine has overheated.
3. Thumping Noises:
4. Smells Hot:
5. Reduced Engine Power:

What happens to a car if the thermostat is not working?

Overheating is the most common symptom of a failing thermostat. Due to corrosion or aging, your car’s thermostat can get stuck in a closed position. If this happens, the thermostat will not let the coolant reach the radiator, and, as mentioned above, the engine will overheat, causing severe damage.

Can my car heater work without a thermostat?

You can, but it may not put out really good heat if the engine never gets up to the proper operating temperature because the thermostat has been removed.