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Every car engine is fitted with a thermostat which is used to regulate the temperature of your vehicle and prevent it from overheating and becoming damaged. The thermostat sits between the vehicle’s radiator and engine to ensure the components are protected from high temperatures.
While there are several thermostats available in the market, two of the most popularly used ones are calibrated at 180 degrees and at 195 degrees. If you need to decide between the two options, let’s take a look at the differences between them, so you can make an informed decision for your vehicle.
180 Degree Thermostat
The 180-degree thermostat is one of the most extensively used thermostats for automobiles worldwide. The product’s popularity results from its ability and efficiency during the engine’s performance. It is fitted with a uniquely designed valve, and it is calibrated to function in extreme scenarios.
The device can also operate on large-scale vehicles, from cars to trucks. The commonly used model for the 180 degrees thermostat is the 45868, which is considered to be heavier in weight and larger in size than a typical 195 degree thermostat. This thermostat weighs 2.56 ounces and has dimensions of 3.8x 2.8x 2.72 inches.
The thermostat’s valve is supported by a bleed notch or a V notch. The design allows a reduction in air flow while improving car operations as well. To further enhance performance, the flow groove can be equipped with a heat motor to improve the thermostat’s efficiency.
By using a 180-degree thermostat, users can benefit from its application, regardless of whether they’re being used for cars or heavy-duty vehicles that can cover long distances.
Features
- It has a working temperature of operation of 180°F
- Due to the durable and rust-resistant stainless-steel rim, they have a longer expected lifespan than traditional thermostats.
- The modern technology in the 180-degree thermostat manages airflow better than OE type thermostats and also leads to improved performance.
195 Degree Thermostat
When it comes to the 195 degree thermostat, it comes with different properties compared to the 180 degree one. The heated coolant travels via the radiator to the engine, where it performs its function of regulating engine temperature. The addition of the V notch elevates the thermostat to new levels, and it gradually widens up till it reaches its apex.
This method has resulted in improved fuel management and engine performance. The 195 degree thermostat, specifically the STA 45359As, weighs less than its 180 degree counterpart, and it is although smaller in size. The dimensions of this thermostat are 2.28×2.28×2.72 inches, and it weighs about 2.4 ounces.
The product has a piston that is larger in size, and it can be used to produce a higher force and be used to start more complex processes in your engine. Furthermore, the spring is larger compared to those of other thermostats, which allows the gate to open in extremely cold temperatures while still being able to run efficiently.
Features
- It has a working temperature of operation of 195°F
- It is ranked first in engine cooling technology and has a good reputation for being ecologically friendly and safe to use in a variety of automobiles.
- The thermostat is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including heavy and large trucks.
- The wax flow is regulated, and the engine processes are unaffected.
- It aids driving, and those massive pistons make heavy-duty driving appear simple.
- The thermostat has a rust-resistant steel body that extends the life of the exterior casing and keeps it from malfunctioning and causing damage to the engine.
Thermostat Opening Temperatures
When the engine in your automobile reaches full working temperature, the thermostat opens, enabling the engine coolant to flow into the radiator and cool it down. This reduces the risk of the engine getting too hot.
When your thermostat fails, it can cause harm to your car’s engine and prevents other cooling system parts from working properly.
A 180-degree thermostat opens roughly 3 degrees before and after 180 degrees, thus it’s most likely to happen between 177 and 183 degrees. However, a temperature of 200 degrees is required to properly open the thermostat.
When it comes to the alternative, it takes an additional 15 degrees on the 195 degree thermostat to open compared to the 180 degree thermostat.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the 180 degree and 195 degree thermostats, you need to select the one which is the best for your vehicle’s engine while also being well suited to prevent the internal parts from getting damaged during seasonal changes. When it comes to the winter months, the 180 degree thermostat heats up sooner than the 190 degree one, and it will also open and close more quickly when it comes to releasing coolant into the engine, which prevents the engine from cooling down too much.
With the 180 degree, the heat of the engine can drop down to 165F, and it will need to be heated until it increases in temperature by 15 degrees. However, when it comes to the 195 degree thermostat, the temperature must be increased by 30 degrees which will take a longer period of time during the winter months.
Both the 180 degree and 195 degrees thermostats have their own set of features, physical dimensions, and weights, but it boils down to what is the best solution for your vehicle, as while there are differences, you can use either thermostat in different car models without compromising on the performance.