It’s 6 am on Monday. You roll out of bed and check the outside temperature – it’s 26º F! You’re not looking forward to getting into your car that was sitting outdoors all evening. What’s even worse, imagine getting into your car for your long commute to work only to find out your car heater is not working. If this has ever happened to you, read on to learn about your vehicle’s heating and cooling system to avoid this potential “chilling situation.”
Before we review the potential problems that can go wrong with your car heater, let’s take a moment to explain its function. The heater plays an important role in the proper operation of your vehicle’s engine and is a component of the cooling system. When an engine is running, it generates heat. Your vehicle’s radiator, thermostat, belts and hoses operate in tandem to circulate fluids to keep the engine from overheating. As those fluids circulate through the engine and absorb heat, it passes that heat on through the heater core and fans that are built into your vehicle. Warm air (ie. heat) in the interior cabin of your vehicle is actually a by-product of this ongoing flow of engine coolants. When first starting you vehicle in the winter, you probably noticed that the warm air will not come out of the vents until the engine has been running long enough to heat up.
Now that we covered how your car’s heater works when it is functioning properly, let’s examine some reasons for heater malfunction.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low Radiator Coolant | Check the level of your radiator’s coolant when the vehicle is stopped and the engine has had an opportunity to cool down. If your radiator needs coolant, add the proper amount according to your vehicle’s specifications. If the coolant continues to go below normal, you may want to have your radiator checked for a leak. Remember to add the proper mixture of antifreeze and coolant (never straight water). |
| Faulty Thermostat | Your engine has a thermostat that measures the temperature of the fluids in order to cool the engine. If the thermostat is stuck, it may not from flowing through the vehicle components. A faulty thermostat may need to be repaired or replaced to ensure it is accurately managing the flow of fluids in your engine. |
| Faulty Heater Control | There is a valve that allows the water to flow into your car’s heater core. The heater core is a type of exchange mechanism for the heated fluids and the interior cabin air. If there is a problem with the heater control, it may not allow the heated fluids to enter the core, and your fan will only blow cool or cold air. |
| Clogged Heater Core | As noted above, the heater core is a type of exchange mechanism for your vehicle’s heated fluids and the interior cabin air. The core has a winding tube that carries the heated fluids past a fan that blows the heated air through your interior vents. If there is any type of debris that is causing a blockage, it may not circulate the fluids. The heater core will need to be cleaned in order to allow the free-flow of fluids through the tube. |
| Faulty Blower Motor | When you turn on the cabin fan and nothing happens, you may be experiencing a faulty blower motor. The motor may need to repaired or replaced to bring the heated air into your interior cabin. |
| Heater Hose Issues | The heater hose which winds through the heater core can sometimes become tangled or kinked. The hose may need to be repaired or replaced. |
If you have concerns that your cooling system may be experiencing one of the above malfunctions, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a certified professional. At Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, New York, we can complete a full inspection of your vehicle’s cooling system and repair or replace any issues. Don’t get caught in the cold, schedule an appointment today.