The fact that the engine is not over heating you have caught this in time. The brown color is rust from the iron engine block. It is highly recommended that you change, or flush out the system with fresh coolant to keep the system running optimal.
If the coolant is left in the engine in this condition it will start to cause flow control problems and eventually lead to uneven cooling (or hot spots) of the engine, regardless what the thermostat gage states and this will lead to weak spots within the engine itself.
There is no real reason to replace the thermostat, but a $4 part and 15 minutes with two bolts and a gasket is cheap insurance (My $.02).
Coolant is brown but car is NOT overheating, should i change the coolant and thermostat?
YES!
Coolant is brown but car is NOT overheating, should i change the coolant and thermostat?
Yes, definitely change it. Flush the entire system and get some fresh stuff in there asap.
If the tstat is easy to change, do that, too.
Brown! You need to flush the whole system until it runs clear!
I wouldn't.
Basically crap builds up in the coolant system because the metal engine actually reacts mildly with the coolant. Once the coolant hits the saturation point, the engine won't corrode any further. This also contributes to clogging up the leaks which may occur in your coolant system.
Generally the rule of thumb when doing things with cars is %26quot;If it ain't broken, don't fix it%26quot;.
i would, before you refill it flush out the system, the thermostat doesn't need changing unless the gauge is showing higher than normal
Install a flushing %26quot;T%26quot; in one of the heater core lines. Turn the climate control to the hottest setting. Hook a garden hose up to the %26quot;T%26quot; and remove the radiator cap. Turn on the hose and run the motor. When clear water comes out the radiator you're done flushing. Drain the water from the radiator and replace the thermostat. Pour 1/3 gallon straight antifreeze into the radiator to compensate for the water still in the motor and then mix the remaining antifreeze to a 50/50 mix before adding to the system. Old dirty antifreeze will not lubricate the water pump seal and cause failure, it will also let the block rust and plug up the heater core and radiator. Don't fix if it's not broken is a lazy fools way of maintenance.
yes, get the cooling system flushed out and put in a new thermostat and a proper mix of water and antifreeze, 50/50 mixture.
