Learn how a simple thermostat issue in a car can cause major problems, and how I saved ₹27,000 by diagnosing and fixing it for just ₹500. A must-read for car owners, especially those who drive discontinued cars!

My uncle is a university professor in Darbhanga. At 60, he doesn’t drive much, but he owns a 2008 Chevrolet Spark that he loves dearly. The car isn’t just a vehicle for him—it’s a part of his life. He rarely uses it, but when he visits Patna to see his daughter, he drives himself. Even though Chevrolet has left India, making parts difficult to find, he refuses to replace the car. Maybe it’s the memories attached to it that keep him from letting go.

A few months ago, during one of his visits to Patna in the hot summer, the Spark gave him trouble. The engine overheated. My uncle, being aware of basic car issues, always carries extra coolant, but this time, it didn’t help. When he arrived in Patna, the car showed an error, leaving him concerned.

To play it safe, he called a well-known car service startup to inspect the vehicle. After a thorough check, they told him the engine had been running without proper coolant circulation for a long time, and it might have caused damage to the engine head. They estimated the repair cost at ₹27,000. My uncle was shocked. He had recently invested a lot of money in the car, and now this unexpected expense left him frustrated.

He had already spent nearly ₹2 lakh over the years on repairs, often overcharged by mechanics in his hometown. He was a bit disappointed.

That’s when he called me, asking if I knew someone reliable who could look at the car. I sent one of my trusted mechanics, who has experience dealing with older cars like the Chevrolet Spark. After examining the car, the mechanic suspected the thermostat valve might be the issue.

The mechanic suggested replacing the thermostat valve, but finding a new one for a Chevrolet Spark was nearly impossible. So, he contacted a friend who deals with discarded car parts and managed to find a working thermostat valve from a scrapped Spark. The replacement was quick, and the overheating issue was solved.

The total cost? ₹500 for the used part and labor. My uncle was relieved and impressed by the mechanic’s honest work. He even gave him an extra ₹2,000 as a thank-you.

Lesson from the story:

Understanding the basics of how a car works can save you a lot of money and trouble. In this case, knowing about the thermostat valve and its role in the cooling system prevented a hefty repair bill. My uncle avoided spending ₹27,000 by getting a second opinion and focusing on the actual problem.

What is thermostate in a car

The thermostat in a car controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. When the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed, allowing the engine to heat up quickly. Once the engine reaches the ideal temperature, the thermostat opens to let the coolant flow and prevent overheating. If the thermostat fails, the coolant cannot flow properly, which can cause the engine to overheat or not warm up efficiently.

The thermostat in a car is like a small yet vital part of the cooling system. You don't require to change the entire cooling system because a valve has malfunctioned. Thermostat controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator, ensuring the engine warms up quickly when cold and stays cool when running hot. When working properly, you don’t even notice it’s there. But when it fails, the engine can overheat, making the issue seem huge—just like when your nose gets clogged during a cold. It’s such a minor thing, but it can make you feel miserable, struggling to breathe normally. Similarly, a stuck thermostat can disrupt the entire cooling system, leading to overheating or inefficiency, but fixing it is often a simple and inexpensive process. Just like 3-4 vicks ki goli!