FVP Fail-Safe Thermostats offer premium, patented technology for superior protection over any thermostat on the market. When standard thermostats fail, they lock in the closed position and prevent coolant flow to the engine, which can possibly cause serious damage to your engine. Only Fail-Safe is designed to lock in the open position when overheating occurs due to a failing cooling system component. This allows maximum coolant flow, thus preventing expensive engine damage.
Fail-Safe thermostats are designed with a unique extra stroke that allows operation in two stages:
Stage 1: Within normal operating temperatures, the Fail-Safe operates the same as any other thermostat.
Stage 2: If the engine overheats due to a deteriorating cooling system part, the Fail-Safe has a secondary stroke that activates a precision engineered piston that automatically locks the valve into a wide open position, allowing coolant to circulate freely.
Which Thermostat Is Right For You?
| Type |
Lifespan |
Flow Rate |
Precise Temperature Control |
Fail-Safe Engine Protection |
Economy
|
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
Standard Replacement
|
★★ |
★ |
★★ |
|
Performance
|
★★ |
★★ |
★★ |
|
| Heavy Duty |
★★★ |
★★ |
★★★ |
|
Premium
|
★★ |
★ |
★★ |
★ |
What Temperature Thermostat Do I Need?
Thermostats have a “rated” temperature (such as 180F or 195F). This is the temperature the thermostat will start to open, releasing heated coolant from the engine into the radiator. The thermostat will fully open once the coolant gets another ten or fifteen degrees warmer.
| OE TEMPERATURE |
These thermostats match the OEM-specified temperature rating for the vehicle. Manufacturers recommend an OE temperature thermostat for most engines, especially for:
- Modern engines with computers that use the coolant temperature to help control the fuel, emissions and other important systems
|
| ALTERNATE TEMPERATURE |
These thermostats have a temperature rating below (cooler than) the OEM-specified temperature rating for the vehicle. This option may make sense for use in:
- Modified Engines
- Performance Applications
- Older / Classic Vehicles
|
Cooling System Maintenance | Tips & Tools
Without regular maintenance, cooling system components will degrade and fail prematurely, which can lead to costly engine damage. Protect your engine with simple preventative maintenance:
- Completely drain and flush the system using Cooling System Flush prior to installation. Flushing the system is critical to prevent system contamination and failure.
- Consider replacing the Radiator Hoses (and Hose Clamps) and Radiator Cap as part of routine preventative maintenance. System contamination can cause these parts to degrade and fail over time, which can lead to severe engine damage from overheating.
- Refill radiator with fresh Coolant / Antifreeze according to the volume and formula specified in your Owner's Manual. Inspect levels and condition every year.
