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2026. 6. 30. 작업

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How does the thermostat work?

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I had no idea it would be called this, but the article in Wikipedia describes the "low level" detail of how the device works. Wax thermostatic element Basic operation There is an optimum temperature for the engine coolant (not too cold, not too hot) and a simple mechanical thermostat helps make that happen. When it's closed, the water pump circulates the coolant through the engine and heater, so the water in the engine heats up. Coolant in the radiator itself will not be circulating and will be cooling down. Once the water in the engine reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing circulation from the engine through the radiator. Getting stuck With the basics out of the way, what happens when it gets stuck should be obvious. Stuck Open: Water will always circulate. On a cool day, the radiator will keep the coolant at a fairly low temperature. People normally figure this out in the winter when their heater "stops working". This isn't really noticeable other than the t