Control device for a vehicle that includes a thermowax switching valve

An electronic control unit (12) calculates the heat receiving quantity of a thermo wax to estimate the temperature of the thermo wax on the basis of the calculated heat receiving quantity and the heat capacity of the thermo wax, and controls a heater so that the temperature of the thermo wax reaches a predetermined target value. Further, the electronic control unit (12) changes the value of the heat capacity used to estimate the temperature of the thermo wax depending on the variation of the estimated temperature of the thermo wax across the phase transition point of the thermo wax so as to preferably control a switching valve which is operated by heating the thermo wax.