Winter is approaching and, in some places, you might have even started using the heat in your car. There’s no worse feeling than turning it on and realizing it is kicking out cold air. If your car’s heater is malfunctioning, it can be more than just an inconvenience. It can be unsafe, causing your windows to fog up and obstructing your vision. That said, there are a few key things you can check to get your vehicle’s heater working again.
1. Check Your Coolant Levels
One of the most common culprits of this problem is low coolant levels. The coolant in your car impacts more than just your engine. It is an essential component of your car’s heating system. When the levels are too low, your heater might not have enough to circulate warm air through the cabin. The first thing you should do if you discover your car’s heater isn’t working is check the coolant reservoir. Top it up with the right kind of coolant and check for leaks. Taking care of this problem will not only possibly fix the issue with your heater, but it will help you avoid bigger problems down the road too.
2. Inspect the Thermostat
If your thermostat isn’t working properly it can cause problems with your heating system. Your car’s thermostat controls the flow of coolant to the engine and heater core. If it is stuck open or closed, the coolant won’t flow correctly. This will make cold air come through the vents. Some signs of a malfunctioning thermostat include an unusually low-temperature gauge reading or inconsistent heat. Replacing the thermostat is a fairly inexpensive fix that can get your heater working again.
3. Examine the Heater Core
The heater core is similar to a small radiator just for the cabin of your vehicle. If it is clogged or damaged, it won’t be able to do its job. Like anything else in your car, it can build up dirt, rust, and debris. This restricts airflow to the heater core, causing it to blow cold. Flushing the heater core can potentially fix this problem, but it may need to be replaced entirely.
4. Test the Blower Motor
The blower motor’s job is the push warm air from the heater core into the cabin of the car. If it isn’t working, you won’t have any heat. Listen for sounds when you turn the heater on. If you don’t hear anything, it could be a sign that the blower motor isn’t working. You can also try changing the fan speed settings; if there’s no change, it could be a motor issue. Fixing the blower motor might be as easy as a blow fuse or loose wiring. However, it could require a full replacement to restore your car’s heater.
5. Look for Air Pockets in the Cooling System
Air pockets in the cooling system can stop the coolant from circulating properly. This will make your heater not work as well. If air gets trapped in the system, it messes up the flow of air to the heater core. Bleeding the cooling system is an effective way to remove trapped air and get things flowing again. Some car models have a bleed valve that will help release air bubbles from the cooling system. It’s important to be careful if you are considering doing this yourself, it’s easy to get burned. That said, once the air pockets are gone, your heat should be working again.
6. Clean or Replace the Cabin Air Filter
I’ve talked about the importance of a clean cabin air filter several times in various articles. A clogged cabin air filter will restrict airflow and make your heater feel like it is less effective. Replacing a dirty cabin filter can make a huge difference in the airflow and heating of your vehicle.
7. Inspect the Heating Controls
The problem isn’t always with the heating components. Sometimes, the issue is with the controls themselves. The buttons, knobs, or touchscreen that controls your car’s heater can wear out over time or become disconnected. If you discover that turning the dial or pressing buttons doesn’t do anything, it is possible that the controls need to be repaired or recalibrated. It could even be as simple as a blown fuse connected to the control panel. Fixing the controls can make a night-and-day difference in the performance of your car’s heater.
Enjoying Warm Rides All Winter Long
Having to deal with a heater that isn’t working in your car can be brutal during the winter months. Knowing what the possible causes of a malfunctioning heater are can help you pinpoint what the issue might be and help you fix it efficiently. Being proactive with regular maintenance can help you avoid some of these common heating problems, but knowing where to start if you run into trouble is key. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any winter chill with a toasty, comfortable car cabin.