Even though it can be annoying, a heater blowing cold air is a common issue that frequently stems from one of a few problems. We’ll investigate the causes and give you instructions on how to resolve the issue.
You might not be the only one if, this winter, you got into your car, turned on the heat, and discovered that all it was doing was blowing cold air. Actually, this is not a particularly uncommon auto issue. It is annoying, even though it is not unusual, especially on a chilly winter morning when you have to sit in a car while traveling to work.
The blowing of cool air from one’s car heating system is typically caused by a few simple issues.
Not Enough Coolant
Your car uses coolant, which is typically composed of 50% antifreeze and 50% water, to cool your engine, particularly during the sweltering summer months. When you turn up your heater in the winter, coolant from the engine is transferred to the heater core, which then circulates warm air throughout your car.
Because the engine needs to warm up before the coolant heats up and heats your interior, it may feel cool for the first few minutes. The first thing you should check is your coolant level if cool air is still blowing out. Your car won’t be able to send enough coolant to the heater core to produce warm air when you have low coolant levels.
Problems With Heater Core
A clog in the heater core’s small tubing, an improper flow of coolant through it, or a lack of air from the blower motor are all examples of heater core issues that are frequently linked to car heater issues.
In a nutshell, heater cores are small radiator-like components of cooling systems. Brass or aluminum tubes and fans that disperse heat from the coolant are used to construct a heater core. The coolant is carried in and out of the heater core by the hot tubes.
The heating and defrosting functions of a car are handled by the heater core. Usually, heater cores are located directly behind the dashboards.
Your heater core may be malfunctioning if your car isn’t blowing warm air into the cabin and the coolant level is normal. If you suspect that something is amiss with your car’s heater core, watch for these signs:
- Fog inside of your car
- A fruity, sweet-smelling odor
- Your car using coolant very quickly
- The engine overheating
Thermostat is Stuck
The thermostat is a valve, and if the valve jams, the heater might start blowing cold air. If the coolant in the engine reaches a certain temperature without the thermoses opening, this may occur.
The circulation of the coolant may be hampered by a stuck thermostat.
The heater may start to blow cold air after this happens. Having a stuck thermostat can also cause an engine to warm up slowly or not at all.
Coolant Not Flowing through the Heater Core
Numerous ways exist for a heater core to become plugged. When you hear about a heater core that is plugged, it usually means that corrosion or other debris has clogged the internal tubes. Flushing will usually clear this up.
But debris that manages to get into the heater box can also clog the fins of a heater core, causing it to malfunction. Cleaning the heater box’s fins is the solution to this problem.
Broken Or Clogged Heater Controls
The control buttons occasionally become clogged and stop functioning after being used for a while. You might need to swap out a few of the control buttons or your heater control valve if the coolant levels are normal and your heater core appears to be in good condition.
The switch that turns the on and off the heat is the heater control valve, which is located underneath your hood. Your car could stop blowing cool air into the cabin if that component is malfunctioning.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are the last typical issue with car heaters. Leaks can appear in a variety of places, so make sure to inspect your hoses, radiator, and water pump for damage. Your car heater won’t function properly if any of these three are leaking.
Winter can be much more enjoyable with a reliable heating system. Get your heating system checked out by a reputable local auto repair shop if you experience any of these problems or can’t get heat to blow out of your vents.
Taking care of heater issues as soon as they arise is crucial. If you ignore the issue, it might later become more serious and expensive.
Final Words
Knowing more about how your car operates will make it easier for you to communicate with and comprehend your mechanic when something goes wrong.
The heater core is primarily to blame when a car heater fails to blow warm air. However, you might also experience a mechanical, electrical, or vacuum issue. The specifics vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle, but the majority of systems have a blend door that modifies the airflow through the heater core.
