Why is the Thermostat Important for Mercedes Cars?

All cars are equipped with several different types of sensors and on-board assessment tools that determine how well the vehicle is running at any given time. Sensors may include oxygen sensors, wheel speed sensors, and of course, temperature sensors. Each of these components helps relay information to the car’s computer system, as well as alert the driver of any concerning issues occurring in the various systems. One such “gauge” or “sensor” that serves an important function in Mercedes cars especially is the thermostat.

The thermostat in any car is important, for the aforementioned reasons; however, Mercedes vehicles are prone to premature thermostat failure, which poses unique issues for their drivers. Many Mercedes drivers go on about their daily lives without even glancing at their vehicle’s temperature gauge, or thermostat, which can lead to abrupt engine overheating – especially during the warmer months of the year when your Mercedes is working harder than usual. Since the thermostat plays an integral role in your Mercedes’ functioning, it is important to generally keep an eye on it and determine whether it is working properly each time you drive your vehicle.

Interpreting Your Engine Temperature

The thermostat in your Mercedes is responsible for determining the engine temperature and relaying that important information to the gauge that drivers see in their dashboard. At first when you just start your car, it’s normal for the temperature gauge needle to be off-centered; in fact, usually your engine temperature will read cold if the engine hasn’t been running for very long, and will gradually make its way to the center, neutral position – the proper running temperature for your Mercedes’ engine. It is important to monitor your temperature gauge as you begin driving so that you can avoid engine overheating or other concerning issues related to abnormal engine temperature.

Issues and Symptoms related to Mercedes’ Thermostat Malfunctioning

As we mentioned before, it is quite common for Mercedes vehicles to experience premature thermostat failure and require replacement. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the different ways your thermostat may fail and what you can do about it. Here are the most common issues drivers encounter related to thermostat failure:

Temperature Gauge Issue

It is common for thermostat failure to be mistaken for temperature gauge issues, which is why it’s important to hire a Mercedes specialist to diagnose the problem accurately the first time around. For your safety and for the longevity of the vehicle, it’s important to get any concerning temperature gauge behavior treated right away.

Leaking Coolant

Any time you experience a coolant leak, it is essential to have the problem looked at by a Mercedes professional. Since your car runs off of an interconnected system of sensors and relayed information, if the thermostat isn’t working properly it can lead to coolant flow problems, which can cause leaks or engine overheating. Coolant leaks aren’t always related to thermostat failure, so it’s best to have the source of the problem thoroughly assessed before replacing the thermostat.

Erratic Engine Temperature

Your Mercedes engine is fine-tuned to run optimally within a specific temperature range or interval; therefore, when the engine temperature is running too high or too low, your vehicle’s performance may suffer. This is problematic for Mercedes drivers for several reasons: 1. It is expensive to fix damages as a result of engine overheating or freezing, and 2. It is highly undesirable to sacrifice your luxury vehicle’s performance. If your car’s engine temperature is reading as erratic, unpredictable, or generally off, it’s important to have the problem checked out right away to restore your vehicle’s function.

A Long-Term Solution

Addressing a failing or malfunctioning thermostat is important; however, it is always recommended to approach automotive care proactively and preventively. Here at A&M Auto Service, we have helped Mercedes drivers from all over Pineville, Charlotte, and Greensboro, NC, prevent and address thermostat issues effectively with our individualized maintenance plans. Here at A&M we know that every customer is unique and different from the next, which means we must approach our job with care, consistency, and an individualized approach for each client and their vehicle. To learn more about how we can help you address thermostat failure, please call one of our Mercedes-Benz professionals today.

* Mercedes-AMG GT C Roaster image credit goes to: teddyleung.