At Flagstaff Transmission Specialists in Flagstaff, we’re not only here to fix your car when something goes wrong...we’re here to help you understand your car, truck, or SUV a little better, too. Here are some tips concerning your thermostat - how it works, what to watch out for, and what to do about it when one fails.

The thermostat is a small, simple component, with a very important job. The thermostat is situated in line with the flow of coolant throughout your engine. It is spring-loaded and made of specifically calibrated metals, which bend and expand as they heat up, opening the thermostat to allow coolant flow to other parts of the engine, once the engine has achieved operating temperature.

The purpose of the thermostat is to regulate engine temperature. Without it, the engine won’t heat fast enough, causing carbon buildup, excessive engine wear, decreased gas mileage, and substantially decreased heater efficiency on cold days. When one malfunction, overheating of the engine will occur. If you notice rapid fluctuations in engine temperature, such as a gauge that reads very hot then suddenly cools down, it’s likely you have a sticking thermostat. If the thermostat completely fails, the engine temperature may continue to climb until serious damage is done.

As always, if you notice your engine is running too hot, pull over and shut it off before major damage can occur. This is one case where a neglected 5 dollar part can cost you an entire engine.

There’s a straightforward way to test whether or not your thermostat is the culprit. If the car gets hot, or after it reaches normal operating temperature and has been there a while, shut the engine off and pop the hood. Keep fingers, hands, and clothing away from the cooling fans, which can engage without warning. Carefully check to see if the whole radiator is hot to the touch and that both big radiator hoses are hot or warm. Be aware that these parts may be very hot, so proceed with caution. If either hose is cool to the touch, your thermostat is the most likely culprit. Have the car towed if necessary, or driven a short-range after the engine cools down, with a close eye on the temperature gauge.

If you’re having thermostat issues, or have any other maintenance and repair needs, have one of our technicians take a look. Our team of expert mechanics has the knowledge, equipment, and ability necessary to service any type of vehicle. For the best auto repair and maintenance shop in Flagstaff, call or stop by Flagstaff Transmission Specialists today.



Thank you for visiting Flagstaff Transmission Specialists in Flagstaff, AZ. You can count on our automotive repair technicians and transmission specialist to keep your car, truck, suv, van, or entire fleet on the roads longer and safer.

Service Areas: Flagstaff, AZ | Williams Junction, AZ | Sedona, AZ | Saint Joseph Youth Camp, AZ | Angell, AZ | Rockledge, AZ | Pilgrim Playground, AZ | Indian Gardens, AZ | Munds Park, AZ | Parks, AZ | Maine, AZ | Winona, AZ | Darling, AZ | Cosnino, AZ | Bellemont, AZ | Mountainaire, AZ

  • Jasper Pref
  • 24-Hour Dropoff
  • Towing
  • Acdelco
  • ASE
  • Auto Zone
  • B&W Trailer Hitches
  • BG Products
  • Bosch Automotive
  • Cummins Diesel
  • Customer Savings
  • Duramax Diesel
  • FASS
  • Flowmaster
  • Ford Power Stroke Diesel
  • Intoxalock Button
  • LMC Truck
  • Magnaflow
  • MACS
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • NAPA AutoCare Center
  • Pet Friendly
  • Radiator
  • Reese Hitches
  • Synchrony
  • Valvoline
  • 24 Month Warranty
  • Welding
  • Wifi Available
  • Woman Owned

2109 E 6TH Ave
| Flagstaff, AZ

(928) 774-2220
Email the Shop
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FRIDAY | CLOSED NOON - 1:00 PM
Weekends | Closed
24/7 DROP OFF - OFFICE OPENED
DIAGNOSIS AVAILABLE ON WEEKENDS