Correct, As norcalgsr said sometimes you can get a bad one out of the box. My recommendation is if the one you have is bent take it back if it's not too late and get a new one. When you get the new one put it in a pot with some water and bring it to a boil. When it's boiling take it off the stove let the bubbles clear and you can see the thermostat open as the water cools the thermostat will close. You will be able to see it. If it's working correctly put it in your car make sure you put it in the right way or you could mess it up.