Best Car Thermostats of 2025

Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Car thermostats are an essential part of a car's cooling system. They regulate the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant to and from the engine. When the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed, preventing coolant from circulating through the engine. As the engine warms up, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through the engine and maintain a consistent temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the engine to overheat or run at a lower temperature than optimal, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and engine performance. Regular maintenance and replacement of a faulty thermostat can help ensure proper engine function and prevent costly repairs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
Stant Superstat Premium Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.9
#TOP 2
MotoRad 470-221 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.8
#TOP 3
MotoRad 639-180 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Car Thermostats

Stant Superstat Premium Thermostat

STA45359
Stainless Steel
Stant Superstat ® Premium Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The Stant Superstat Thermostat is designed to enhance your vehicle's cooling system, especially during demanding conditions. It features a high venturi design that maximizes cooling capacity when temperatures rise and loads increase. With a piston that is 25% larger in diameter, it delivers significantly more power compared to standard thermostats, ensuring your engine stays at optimal temperature. Additionally, the stainless steel flange is polished for stress relief and improved corrosion resistance, providing durability and longevity. This combination of features helps you maintain engine efficiency and reliability, giving you peace of mind on the road.

What We Like
Enhanced cooling capacity
Increased power delivery
Durable stainless steel flange
Corrosion resistance
#TOP 2

MotoRad 470-221 Thermostat

470-221
MotoRad 470-221 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat is designed to excel in automotive cooling systems. With its high-quality construction, it ensures durability and reliability under demanding conditions. The copper casing and wax compound provide quick reactions to temperature changes, helping to maintain optimal engine performance. Additionally, the thermostat features an offset design and includes air relief valves and OEM-style seals, ensuring a perfect fit and function. This means you can trust that your engine will run smoothly, reducing the chances of overheating and enhancing overall efficiency.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Fast temperature response
Offset design for better fit
Includes air relief valve
OEM specifications
#TOP 3

MotoRad 639-180 Thermostat

639-180
MotoRad 639-180 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat is designed to excel in the demanding environment of your vehicle's cooling system. Made from high-quality materials, it adheres to OEM specifications, ensuring reliability and performance. Its copper case combined with a wax compound allows for quick reactions to coolant temperature changes, helping to maintain optimal engine temperatures. Additionally, the thermostat features an offset design and includes an air relief valve and OEM-style seals where necessary, enhancing its efficiency and ease of installation. This means you can trust it to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent overheating.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Quick temperature response
OEM specifications
Efficient design
#TOP 4

Mishimoto Racing Thermostat for Dodge Neon/SRT

MMTS-NEO-97L
Silver
Mishimoto MMTS-NEO-97L Racing Thermostat Compatible With Dodge Neon/SRT 1997-2005
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The Mishimoto Racing Thermostat is a perfect fit for your 1997-2005 Dodge Neon/SRT. It allows coolant to flow through the engine earlier with its lower activation temperature. This helps maintain lower temperatures and extends your car engine's life. The thermostat's Mishimoto Activation is at 158°F (70°C), ensuring optimal performance.

What We Like
Easy installation
Durable construction
Improves engine performance
#TOP 5

Stant-14602 Engine Coolant Thermostat/Water Outlet Assembly

14602
Stainless Steel
Stant-14602 Engine Coolant Thermostat/Water Outlet Assembly, Stainless Steel
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

The Stant Thermostat is a durable water outlet thermostat housing that comes with an integrated thermostat, making installation a breeze. The housing is made of high-quality materials, ensuring a long-lasting life. The fit type is vehicle-specific, ensuring compatibility with your car model. The item package weight is 0.8 pounds, so it's lightweight and easy to handle. The integrated thermostat simplifies the installation process, making it an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free installation. The durable material ensures that the Stant Thermostat will last a long time, making it a smart investment for car owners.

What We Like
Durable material
Integrated thermostat
Easy installation
#TOP 6

Car Engine Thermostat

33048
Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

This car engine thermostat has a package dimension of 3.555 H x 5.842 L x 5.08 W (centimetres) and weighs 1.0 pound. It is vehicle specific and made in China. It is perfect if you need to replace your old or faulty thermostat.

What We Like
Specifically designed for vehicles
Compact package size for easy installation
Lightweight design
#TOP 7

MotoRad 201-160 Thermostat

201-160
MotoRad 201-160 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat is designed for high performance in automotive cooling systems. It is crafted from quality materials to endure tough conditions, ensuring durability. With its copper casing and specialized wax compound, the thermostat quickly reacts to temperature shifts in the coolant, helping to maintain optimal engine temperatures. The offset design, along with an air relief valve and OEM-style seals, further enhances the reliability of this product. This means you can trust the MotoRad Thermostat to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Rapid temperature response
Reliable OEM specifications
Enhanced engine efficiency
#TOP 8

MotoRad 7233-192 Thermostat

7233-192
MotoRad 7233-192 Fail-Safe Thermostat
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat features a patented design that protects your engine from overheating, ensuring it operates safely. With innovative locking technology, this thermostat helps prevent serious engine damage, saving you from costly repairs. Made from high-quality materials sourced from an original equipment supplier, it promises durability and reliability. Additionally, it maintains optimal engine performance temperatures, allowing your vehicle to run efficiently and smoothly. By using this thermostat, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your engine is well-protected and performing at its best.

What We Like
Overheating protection
Prevents engine damage
High-quality materials
Optimal performance
#TOP 9

MotoRad 7227-195 Thermostat

7227-195
MotoRad 7227-195 Fail-Safe Thermostat
ftb score rating icon8.6
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat is designed to protect your engine from overheating with its unique patented design. This feature ensures that your engine stays within safe temperature limits, preventing costly damage. Additionally, the locking technology enhances safety by locking in place, giving you peace of mind while driving. Built with top-quality materials from an original equipment supplier, this thermostat guarantees durability and reliability. It effectively maintains optimal engine performance temperatures, helping your vehicle run smoothly and efficiently.

What We Like
Overheating protection
Durable materials
Optimal performance
Engine damage prevention
#TOP 10

MotoRad 227-195 Thermostat

227-195
MotoRad 227-195 Thermostat
ftb score rating icon8.4
FTB Score

The MotoRad Thermostat is designed with high-quality materials to handle the tough demands of automotive cooling systems. It follows OEM specifications for reliable performance, ensuring a perfect fit for your vehicle. The copper casing and specialized wax compound provide quick reactions to temperature shifts, helping to maintain optimal engine temperature. Additionally, the thermostat features an offset design with an air relief valve and OEM-style seals, enhancing its effectiveness and functionality. This means you can trust that your engine stays cool and operates efficiently, giving you peace of mind on the road.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Quick temperature response
OEM specifications
Effective air relief valve
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the symptoms of a faulty car thermostat?

Some symptoms of a faulty car thermostat include unusually high temperature readings on the temperature gauge, engine running inefficiently, peculiar engine noises, leaking coolant, and rust and deposit build-up. These signs indicate that there may be an issue with the thermostat and it may need to be replaced or repaired.

2. Can you drive a car with a bad thermostat?

It is not recommended to drive a car with a bad thermostat. Although the car may still physically move, operating the vehicle with a faulty thermostat can lead to engine overheating and potential damage to other parts of the vehicle. It is best to refrain from driving and have the thermostat repaired or replaced to ensure the proper functioning of the engine.

3. Does changing car thermostat make a difference?

Yes, changing a car thermostat can make a significant difference in the operation of the vehicle. A faulty thermostat can result in a cold engine or overheating, affecting the overall performance of the car. The thermostat plays a crucial role in allowing hot coolant to move through the radiator and helps in cooling down the engine to prevent overheating.

4. What are the signs that indicate a thermostat needs to be replaced?

Some signs that indicate a thermostat needs to be replaced include faulty temperature readings, a non-working display screen on the thermostat, and the AC system not turning on. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to have the thermostat inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure proper functioning of the heating and cooling system in your car.

Editor's Notes

During our car thermostat research, we found 24 car thermostat products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,871 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car thermostats list. We found that most customers choose car thermostats with an average price of $26.20.

The car thermostats are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car thermostats, including Stant, MotoRad, Mishimoto, Wix. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.