What temp does Subaru thermostat open?
As a seasoned auto repair professional, I often get questions about the specifics of car maintenance, including the operating temperatures of various components. One common query is about the thermostat in Subaru vehicles—an essential part of the cooling system. Understanding when the thermostat opens is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and preventing overheating.
Understanding the Role of the Thermostat
The thermostat in your Subaru plays a critical role in regulating the engine's temperature. It ensures that the engine warms up quickly and maintains a consistent operating temperature. When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, allowing the coolant to circulate only within the engine block. Once the engine reaches the thermostat's designated opening temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator to dissipate heat.
At What Temperature Does a Subaru Thermostat Open?
For most Subaru models, the thermostat typically opens at around 170°F to 190°F (77°C to 88°C). This range can vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle. The thermostat's opening temperature is carefully calibrated to ensure the engine operates efficiently while avoiding overheating or running too cold.
Why Is the Thermostat's Opening Temperature Important?
The thermostat's opening temperature is critical for several reasons:
- Engine Efficiency: Operating at the correct temperature ensures optimal fuel combustion and engine performance.
- Preventing Overheating: By opening at the right time, the thermostat allows coolant to flow and prevents the engine from overheating.
- Reducing Wear and Tear: Maintaining a stable temperature reduces stress on engine components, prolonging their lifespan.
Signs of a Faulty Thermostat
If your Subaru's thermostat is not functioning correctly, you may notice the following symptoms:
- The engine overheats frequently.
- The temperature gauge fluctuates or stays unusually low.
- Coolant leaks near the thermostat housing.
- Reduced heater performance in cold weather.
When to Replace Your Subaru Thermostat
Thermostats are durable but not immune to wear and tear. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it may be time to replace the thermostat. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Conclusion
Knowing the operating temperature of your Subaru's thermostat—typically between 170°F and 190°F—can help you better understand your vehicle's cooling system and maintain its performance. If you suspect an issue with your thermostat, don't hesitate to consult a trusted auto repair professional. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what coolant I put in my Subaru?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Subaru has developed its own coolant or requires a particular coolant that is unique to explicit years and models.
What is the typical opening temperature of a thermostat?
As an example, a 180 degree thermostat should start to open at 177 - 183 degrees, and will not be fully open until the coolant around it is 195 - 200 degrees.
What temperature should a thermostat open and close at?
Once the engine heats up to its designed operating temperature, typically around 90-100 degrees Celsius, the thermostat opens. This opening allows the hot coolant to pass through the radiator, where it's cooled down before returning to the engine, maintaining a constant, optimal temperature.
At what temperature does a thermostat start to open?
between 180 and 195 degrees
Most car thermostats are rated to begin opening between 180 and 195 degrees and will reach the fully open position around 20 degrees higher, allowing coolant to flow between the radiator and engine.
Is 230 degrees to hot for an engine?
Most experts agree that your engine should run between 195 degrees and 220 degrees. In ideal situations, your needle will maintain a posture right in the middle of your gauge. Keep in mind that this can go up or down depending on the conditions in the vehicle itself (such as running the air conditioner or heater).
At what temperature does a car fan turn on?
between 200 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit
In most vehicles, the radiator fan is programmed to turn on when the engine coolant reaches a temperature between 200 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit (93 to 110 degrees Celsius). However, some vehicles may have different temperature thresholds for the radiator fan to activate.
Is 235 too hot for coolant?
The boiling point of radiator fluid is often between 223°F and 235°F (depending on the mixture ratios). Meanwhile, the average temperature of a normally operating car engine is between 195°F and 220°F. As your engine starts overheating, its temperature will exceed the boiling point of your radiator fluid.
Is 250 overheating?
The most common reasons a Lexus IS250 is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat. Coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.)
What is the temperature of the thermostat in a Subaru?
207°-216°.
What is the normal coolant temperature for a Subaru?
around 195 to 220 Fahrenheit
Normal Coolant Temperature
If your engine's temperature gauge ever goes into the red zone, you should stop the car immediately before you cause any serious damage to the engine. Normal coolant temperature will be around 195 to 220 Fahrenheit (approx. 90°C) and anything outside of this range can start causing problems.
