Which thermostat is better to choose for LADA cars

Very often, when replacing a thermostat, car owners are faced with the fact that the new part works even worse than the old one. How to choose a thermostat and check it before installing it on a car?

Massive malfunctions of new thermostats occur due to outright defective parts. Some car owners change several of these devices until they find one that actually works. What characteristics do thermostats have?

The valve opening temperature must be indicated on the thermostat housing

The most important thermostat parameter is the valve opening temperature. That is, the thermostat valve will begin to open and allow coolant to flow into the main radiator only when this same liquid heats up to the specified temperature. It is different for different cars. Moreover, for the same engine there may be thermostats with different temperatures, for more accurate selection in the conditions of a particular region (temperatures for, for example, Krasnodar and Novy Urengoy need different ones).

If the thermostat is defective, the valve may open earlier and then the engine will not reach operating temperature under normal conditions. If the valve opens at a higher temperature, the engine will overheat...

Finding out the thermostat opening temperature is very easy. On all normal thermostats it is indicated on the housing. But, again, this information is not always true.

You can't check the thermostat directly in the store, but you can do it at home. The principle of testing is simple - you need to set the thermostat to the temperature at which the valve should begin to open and check whether it has opened.

This is done in a regular saucepan. Water is filled into it, a thermostat is placed inside and the pan is placed on the fire. To control the water temperature, a water thermometer is used, which can withstand heating up to 100 degrees (until the water boils). Of course, before starting the “experiment”, you need to remember what position the valve is in.

When the water in the pan heats up to the required temperature (to what temperature, you need to find out from the instructions specific to your car), you need to pull out the thermostat using improvised methods and see if the position of the valve has changed. If yes, the opening went smoothly. We extinguish the fire and wait until the water begins to cool below the opening temperature of the valve. If the valve closes when the temperature drops, it means the thermostat is fully operational and can be installed on the car.

Such “experiments” with thermostats are unlikely to suit busy people. Therefore, in order to protect yourself as much as possible from counterfeiting, buy a thermostat only from well-known brands and be sure to follow the inscriptions on its body.

A normal thermostat should indicate the manufacturer, make and model of the car or engines for which it is used, as well as the very temperature at which the valve begins to open.

Hi all! With the onset of cold weather, the Karina began to seem reluctant to warm up, although there were no problems with this before, I blame the thermostat. Accordingly, after reading the forums, I found out that you can set it to either 82 degrees or 88, it seems like with a thermostat at 88 degrees it becomes warmer in the car. Accordingly, share who installed what for themselves? Also wondering, will it be necessary to change the thermostat from 88 to 82 in the summer? Thanks in advance for any advice!

How to choose a thermostat

The thermostat is an element of the engine cooling system that is responsible for regulating the temperature of the antifreeze.
Without this part, the thermal regime will not be maintained. The main task is to block the flow of antifreeze until the engine warms up. When the engine temperature is high, the thermostat opens and allows fluid to flow through. When the engine is cold, antifreeze does not pass through the thermostat. The device is dual-circuit.

The small circuit operates up to temperatures of 85-90°C, otherwise called operating temperatures. At higher temperatures, a passage to a large circuit opens, i.e. The radiator begins its work, after which the liquid cools and goes back to the small circuit. The opening temperature is indicated on the device body. As you can see, the system is closed, and the slightest malfunction affects its operation.

The best manufacturers of car thermostats

Among the large number of similar parts, there are thermostats that stand out for their stable operation and reliability. Their quality is noted by automotive industry specialists and technical center experts. We will tell you about the features of such products, as well as the companies producing this product. We'll show you how to choose the right thermostat for your car's cooling system.

Pramo

This Russian company produces its goods not in distant China, but at enterprises in the Vladimir and Tver regions. This fact indicates the adaptation of parts to our climatic conditions.

Description of the design. The body and cover of the part are made of heat-resistant plastic. Both parts are engraved with the manufacturer's inscription, manufacturer's numbers, as well as the opening temperature of the device.

The manufacturer has taken care of the quality of protection of its products from counterfeits on the market. In addition to this inscription, the thermostat is distinguished by branded packaging and stickers with information about the product.

For better sealing of the connections of the small circuit of the thermal element, the main valve has an O-ring included in the kit.

Life time. The working life of the part is 12 months.

Pros of Pramo

1. Neat appearance without flash or burrs.
2. Affordable price of goods.
3. Protection against counterfeiting.
4. Reliable case.

Cons of Pramo

1. There are complaints about inconsistencies in the opening temperature of the thermoelement.
2. Unstable operation, sticks.
3. It is impossible to replace a faulty thermocouple - there is no threaded connection.

FINORD

Thermostats of the Finnish company, founded in 2001, have earned credibility among consumers for their excellent quality. This is confirmed by the company’s certificates of compliance with international standards ISO 9001/9002, QS9000, as well as the German standard VDA6.1.

Description of the design. Manufacturers use an improved bypass-type valve in the design. Its distinctive feature is its instant response to changes in temperature. The device is made of high quality steel and brass materials.

Copper is used to make the sensor housing. The part includes an elastic rubber sealing ring. Finnish products are well protected from counterfeit products. The thermostat body and bypass valve are marked with the date of manufacture, manufacturer, and opening temperature.

Life time. The warranty period for FINORD thermostats is six months.

Pros of FINORD

1. Performs well during intensive work over a wide temperature range.
2. Neat packaging, presentable appearance.
3. The annular ribs of the housing help maintain the tightness of the device.
4. Stable opening at a given temperature.

Cons

1. Occasionally, a manufacturing defect occurs - the thermostat does not maintain the set temperature.
2. There is flash on the pipes.

In general, car enthusiasts recommend this part from the Finnish company for purchase.

Ween

The Ween trademark was formed as a result of the merger of two companies: Ween H&H from the Netherlands and the Japanese Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Enterprises producing these products are located in China, South Korea, Poland, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

Parts are manufactured for the aftermarket. They are implemented in many countries around the world, including our country. Thermostats are distinguished by the quality of materials and reliability, which is confirmed by ISO/TS 16949:2002 certificates.

Description of the design. The design of the product consists of a main valve, a device control element, a bypass valve, and springs. Part opening temperature: 87°C.

Life time. The working life of the thermostat is 48 months or 160,000 km.

Pros of Ween

1. Long service life.
2. Beautiful packaging with information about the brand.
3. Durable body material.
4. Stable work.
5. No installation problems.

Cons

1. There is a defect - it does not hold the set temperature.

TAMA

Tama Enterprise Inc is one of the reputable thermostat manufacturers. Its products are well known in the markets of more than 130 countries. Such well-known automakers as Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi use these parts on their assembly lines as original ones.

It should be noted that TAMA products are suitable for engine cooling units not only made in Japan, but also for many other brands of companies from other countries.

In the wide range of the Japanese company there is room for various types of thermostats and their components: thermoelements, covers, sealing rings, etc.

Description of the design. TAMA produces direct-flow and integrated thermostats, with top, bottom and side bypass valves, low-temperature products for sports cars.

The devices help regulate the cooling temperature of the power unit, directing liquid from a small to a large circuit or vice versa, depending on the engine warming up.

Life time. The service life of this thermostat is 2 years or 160,000 km. mileage

Pros of TAMA

1. Excellent product quality.
2. High quality build.
3. High degree of protection against counterfeiting.
4. Long working life.
5. Stable operation at critical temperatures.

Cons of TAMA

1. The temperature “floats” when the car is parked in traffic jams.

To buy branded products, it is recommended to pay attention to the quality of packaging, availability of information about the manufacturer, release date, etc.

Behr Hella

This brand from Germany belonged to the Behr Hella Service GmbH concern until 2022. Currently, another well-known German company Mahle has become its owner.

Description of the design. The thermostat of the German company consists of a housing, a thermoelement, to which the plates of the main and bypass valves are attached. The rod, which is also part of the thermoelement design, is responsible for moving the mechanisms.

When producing products, manufacturers use high quality materials: steel, copper, petroleum wax. The last component, the wax ball, exerts pressure on the rod. Depending on its state: liquid or solid, the valve plates open or close.

Life time. The working life is 2 years or 160,000 km. mileage

Pros of Behr Hella

1. Long service life.
2. Wide range of thermostat models.
3. High build quality.
4. Preservation of performance characteristics at low temperatures “overboard”.

Cons of Behr Hella

1. High cost of the part.

Planned replacement

The thermostat belongs to the category of spare parts that does not have a regulated replacement period. A quality product lasts up to several years. If the thermostat breaks down, the engine suffers the most - the temperature regime is not maintained. There are two possible options here that are being considered regarding the position in which the thermostat is “stuck.” This may be either overheating of the engine, or, conversely, underheating due to intensive cooling. In the memory of service station workers, there are many cases when the thermostat on a car either worked properly or failed - individual copies of this part behave in the most interesting way.

Frequent causes of breakdowns are the use of unsuitable cooling fluids and the reluctance to change them on time. The worst option is to use water. We’ll talk about when the thermostat needs to be replaced, which manufacturing companies are worthy of attention, as well as what tricks seasoned car enthusiasts have.

What thermostats are popular

At the same time, users are often interested in which good thermostats are purchased more often than others. In September 2022, the TOP 9 popular thermostats on PartReview looked like this:

1. WEEN - 129 votes
2. TAMA - 127 votes
3. METAL-INCAR – 117 votes
4. Vernet - 112 votes
5. LUZAR – 107 votes
6. Wahler - 84 votes
7. ELTRA (PRAMO) – 76 votes
8. Behr Hella – 30 votes
9. FEBI - 24 votes
10. MASUMA – 21 votes

Main symptoms of a malfunction

The main sign of a malfunction is that when the engines overheat, the lower and upper pipes have the same temperature. Usually they say that the thermostat is “stuck”, or the bypass valve has stopped doing its job. The thermostat is in the open position. Of the two circuits, the liquid is driven only through the larger one, and the engine does not warm up to operating temperature. Underheating leads to increased fuel consumption, harmful emissions, and increased wear of engine parts. In addition, the car interior warms up worse.

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The situation is different: the lower pipe remains cold, and the temperature in the working fan increases. The liquid moves only along a small circuit, turning from cooling to heating. The thermostat is in the closed position. The engine may simply overheat, and all due to the fact that the valve is constantly open.

The first option is much worse than the second. We also advise you to pay attention to the following:

• The arrow indicating the engine temperature drops sharply when accelerating and begins to rise when stopping;
• The engine takes too long to warm up. If you haven't noticed this before, it's worth checking the thermostat;
• The rubber seal on the valve disc was broken. This causes the coolant to mix with the engine oil. The latter dissolves the seal of the valve located in the thermostat;
• The valve opens too early. Usually, with such a problem, the car functions without problems, but this does not change the above.

Connecting the thermostat to the boiler: instructions

To obtain accurate measurement results, it is important to choose the right installation location:

• Installation near windows, entrance doors, ventilation ducts, climate control equipment and other objects that can affect the air temperature at the installation site is not recommended;
• It is not recommended to install it too high, near the ceiling, or too low to the floor, since heated air masses are concentrated near the ceiling, and in the absence of a heated floor, the temperature in the lower plane of the room is noticeably lower. The optimal installation height is 1.5 meters from the floor level;
• Installation near moving objects or objects that create mechanical shocks (doors, furniture touching the wall) is not recommended;

Also note that for loads above 10 A, the device is not connected directly, but through a modular contactor.

The connection and installation algorithm is always specified in the instructions for the device. For example, let's look at how to install a mechanical Cewal RQ-10:

Most modern thermostats are powered by AA batteries, but if power from the mains is required, its organization diagram looks like this:

All modern models of thermostats are supplied with instructions with a detailed, schematic description of the installation, connection and configuration algorithm. However, this requires basic electrical skills in any case.

We carry out diagnostics ourselves.

Without removing the thermostat from the car, you can easily monitor its operation. We warm up the engine, and then touch the hose from the thermostat to the radiator. Its normal state is: low temperature, comparable to air temperature. If it is hot, then you should either go to a service station, or try to dismantle it and carry out further diagnostics yourself.

We remove the thermostat and “ cook ” it. This is done very simply: place a thermometer and thermostat in a pan with clean water. We heat the water, trying to fix its temperature at the thermometer mark of 90°C. If the thermostat valve begins to open slowly, there is no reason to worry. This did not happen or the valve did not open completely; an urgent replacement will have to be carried out.

What does the price depend on?

The thermostat is a part that can last quite a long time without causing any trouble. The higher the quality of the materials, the newer the production equipment and the stricter the control, the higher the price of the manufactured product will be. The housing, in which a thermostat can be built-in, and a temperature sensor with a heater for the most modern cars also add to the cost.

At almost any service station you can hear the same advice: it is better to buy a thermostat from a good, reliable company, rather than save money by purchasing a cheaper device. A stingy person pays twice: if you save on quality today, you can overpay tomorrow for the purchase and installation of a new thermostat. The difference in cost is not so big that you need to cling to it.

Extending the life of the thermostat

As a rule, a part does not suddenly fail after a year of operation. This only happens when you buy a low-quality and inexpensive analogue. But even in the case of such a thermostat, the period of operation can be extended until it fails.

The main requirements are for the coolant. If you do not replace it in a timely manner, unwanted accumulations may be deposited on parts and additives may fail. In this case, the fluid needs to be changed completely, and not added as needed. This also helps protect against corrosion. As practice shows, antifreeze provides high corrosion protection. However, it does not provide maximum heat transfer. High-quality antifreeze does not have the last drawback.

Top 8. HQ

The young brand offers various models of thermostats at a well-balanced price, the performance characteristics of which are able to fully satisfy the needs of domestic car owners.

• Price range: 360-744 rub.
• Registration: Russia
• Production location: China
• Year founded: 2012
• Official supplier: aftermarket parts

The manufacturer of these thermostats asks owners of VAZ family cars, as well as many foreign-made cars, not to confuse their products with another Asian company HQ - all of the company's factories have successfully passed UNI EN ISO 9002 certification. The difference will be noticeable to every owner of a Priora or Granta who decides to install the unit to your car. HQ products have proven themselves to perform well both in summer, when it is necessary to effectively cool the engine, and in winter, when quick warm-up and good operation of the heating system are important. The weak point of thermostats is considered to be the high cost for products from the Middle Kingdom. But given the fact that we were unable to find any obvious complaints about the operation of the thermostat, the shortcoming is subjective.

How to choose a thermostat

In the event of a breakdown, it is better to choose an identical thermostat, or contact the manager of any auto parts store, also providing the VIN code of your car. He will select a spare part of the required size, and will also clarify the possibility of working in one thermal mode.

A slightly more interesting case: individual parts have already been changed, and adjacent ones have been added. It is difficult to do without the help of a car mechanic. He will analyze the following things: melting point thresholds, number of valves, overall dimensions, opening temperature, specifics of engine temperature indication. Accordingly, the best thermostat will be selected. Note that not all car enthusiasts know exactly what temperature display system is in their car, so they risk getting into trouble when choosing a thermostat on their own.

Existing systems

Thermostats in cars are single-valve and two-valve. Moreover, their design often has several additions, which can vary even in vehicles of the same line from the same manufacturer. Let's figure it out:

• Dual thermostats. Typically used in high pressure systems. At an average temperature pressure, only one thermostat will open, and at a high temperature, two at once;
• Equipped with additional side valves. Their purpose is to reduce coolant temperature differences, which are quite high in simpler systems;
• Installed in an aluminum case or in a plastic case;

• Equipped with a special guide skirt that prevents the lower valve from skewing;
• With additional electronic heating and temperature sensor. They are installed to reduce engine heating, which is possible when the load is too high.

Bellows, or liquid, thermostats are rare. The reason is simple: production is possible using a fairly complex technology for sealing a copper cylinder. Simpler solid-fill thermostats with metal and graphic additives are just as reliable.

Prices: summary table

A brief tour of brands

As experts can advise you, it is better to buy original thermostats from well-known manufacturers. Otherwise they are called OEM spare parts. Their prices are high, but the spare part itself can serve for many years without a single misfire.

The following companies have products of the highest level: Mahle, Behr, Wahler (Germany), Valeo (France).

Some of the most popular brands are: Gates (USA), Febi, Meyle, SWAG (Germany), Facet (Italy), Calorstat by Vernet (France). The quality of the products is very high, the prices are not bad. By the way, in Ukraine and Russia these brands are widely known and in great demand.

Among the budget solutions, it is worth noting the following two companies: Starline (Czech Republic), JP Group (Denmark). The prices are very affordable, but the products themselves meet all quality standards.

You should avoid thermostats from little-known companies that have recently entered the market. The reason is simple: there is a high risk of stumbling upon counterfeit products that look almost no different from thermostats from large companies, but are inferior to them in absolutely everything.

Top 9. BelMag

The choice in favor of BelMag is determined by the high quality of the products. Confirmation of the reliability of thermostats is the fact that spare parts were supplied to the AvtoVAZ assembly line.

• Price range: 397 rub.
• Registration: Russia
• Production location: Magnitogorsk, Belgorod
• Year founded: 1996
• Official supplier: AvtoVAZ, GAZ, GM-AVTOVAZ, AZ URAL

The Russian manufacturer of auto parts is constantly expanding its line of components for domestic cars, which has long included thermostats for VAZ cars. The company's developers recommend that owners of Niva, Priora and other models install BelMag temperature control units in the cooling system of their cars. There is not a single corrosive element in these units, and through the use of modern materials, it was possible to achieve accurate valve operation both in summer and winter. High-quality production control made it possible to reduce the number of defective products that could end up in the hands of consumers. Despite this, some drivers are not satisfied with the cost of the thermostat - they believe that the domestic unit should be cheaper.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Hermetically sealed housing
• Improved bypass valve
• Long warranty period from the manufacturer

• Slight overprice

We buy without errors

So, the first goal is to avoid falling for counterfeit products. At the same time, Chinese thermostats are not necessarily bad, but there is no point in criticizing Chinese fakes, since they are good for nothing. Let's figure out how to recognize a fake.

Please note the following:

• The appearance of the packaging is pleasant, the printing and gluing are of high quality. Only serious manufacturers spend money on good packaging, counterfeiters don’t bother with this;
• The trademark is striking. Counterfeiters often do not copy trademarks at all, and if they do copy, they do it poorly. Try to find a SWAG thermostat in a package in a trusted store, take a photo of it on your smartphone and in the future compare it with all the products in the package that make you suspicious;
• Quality of material and its processing. As a rule, fake thermostats are full of seams, shiny, and poorly polished;
• Engraving, stamping of trademarks and inscriptions. Usually extruded on the body, which requires high-quality metalworking machines. On fake thermostats, the letters are poorly pressed, they are erased or completely unclear;
• Spare parts dealers. A reputable store will easily provide you with a guarantee that it undertakes to take the goods back in case of defects. At the same time, prices are higher than those of market traders;
• Processing edges and cuts, rolling joints. The quality is easy to see: take the thermostat and see if there are any burrs, scratches or chips on it. Their presence indicates falsification.

Purpose

Imagine: you turn on a heater (for example, an oil type or a convector), and it starts working without stopping, heating, heating and heating. Which will ultimately lead to overheating and breakdown (if not short circuit and fire). So, to avoid such situations, a thermostat is built into modern heaters.

It is a small but important device whose mission is to maintain a given temperature regime. And the installation and adjustment of temperature indicators for heating devices is carried out using special regulators. Many people confuse the two concepts “thermostat” and “thermostat” - they are not the same thing, but they are inextricably linked.

Since electric heating is one of the most expensive ways to heat your home, you can significantly reduce your heating bills by installing a programmable thermostat. It automatically turns off the heating device or lowers the temperature, depending on the environmental parameters. The market offers thermostats for oil heaters, infrared heating devices, heated floors, gas and liquid fuel water heating boilers and other types of climate control equipment.

Is it possible to handle the replacement yourself?

With the development of Internet resources, there are no problems in finding guides for replacing individual spare parts. If you want to replace the thermostat yourself, you need to get a sealant, a Phillips screwdriver, a basin for draining the coolant, and keys for “12” and “13”. Essentially, the replacement involves the following: drain the antifreeze, remove the decorative engine cover, disconnect the thermostat housing, remove the thermostat and install a new one. Often thermostats are designed in such a way that the side on which you install it matters. For ease of identification, the manufacturer makes marks such as “Front” and “Rad”, or an arrow pointing to the radiator. We recommend that you also change the clamps and seals during installation. After replacement, it is recommended to add antifreeze and ensure there are no leaks.

conclusions

You can replace the thermostat yourself. At the same time, the faulty part should be replaced as soon as possible - this allows you to get rid of possible expenses for engine repairs. We also note that the thermostat should be checked on the eve of the onset of cold weather. A properly functioning part will not only reduce engine resource consumption, but improve heating of the car interior and normalize fuel consumption.

There are quite a lot of thermostats in different price categories on the market. We consider the above brands to be priority, their quality has been tested by time. A one-time replacement is enough to avoid having to think about the thermostat for several years.

Top 10. Stato

The design features of the thermostat eliminate the possibility of depressurization of the housing, which makes Stato products one of the most durable.

• Price range: 238-880 rub.
• Registration: Russia
• Production location: Vladimir region. village Stavrovo
• Year founded: 1946
• Official supplier: AvtoVAZ, GAZ, KamAZ, PAZ

Many drivers of Niva, Priora and other cars manufactured by VAZ recommend installing this Russian-made thermostat on their car. The company's specialists developed the unit for operation throughout the Russian Federation - in regions with hot summers and cold winters. The thermostatic valve ensures effective engine cooling during city driving and quick heating of the interior in the cold season. The design of the housing eliminates the possibility of leaks through the joints. Many car owners would like to purchase a unit with a full set of seals for installation, which are not included in the kit.

Advantages and disadvantages

• It's inexpensive
• Reliable in long-term use
• Ensures system tightness

• No seals included