Questions and Answers

Hyundai Matrix; Remove Thermostat? Q. Hi Vincent, I live in the tropics and want to ask if it's okay to remove the thermostat on a fuel-injected car. Understand that it's needed only for temperate climates and serve no real use where it's hot whole year round. Would removing it affect the operation of the car?

FYI, I drive a 1.6-litre 2003 Hyundai Matrix, not sold in the USA, called Lavita in Australia, fuel-injected engine, no ABS, automatic transmission, 6,000 miles and no cruise control.

Thanks much,
KK

A. You could remove the thermostat, but, personally, I would not recommend it. An engine is designed to work efficiently within a certain heat range. Anything above or below will cause the engine to be inefficient.

In addition to regulating the engines temperature, the thermostat also regulates the speed of the coolant through the cooling system. If the coolant moves through the cooling system too quickly, the coolant will not have time to absorb a lot of heat. This is called "Undercooling".

Yes, I know I'm going to get a ton of mail on this.

Here's how to demonstrate this. Place a thermometer in the center heating vent. Now turn the Heater on MAX and blower on HIGH. Let it run for a few minutes and note the temperature. Now turn the blower on LOW, wait a few minutes and, again, note the temperature. The LOW setting is your cooling system with a thermostat. HIGH speed is your cooling system without a thermostat.

Even in a tropical climate, a cooling system that is functioning properly will keep your engine at the right operating temperature.