Car troubles can leave people perplexed. You have a good reason to be frustrated if, in the middle of a bitterly cold winter, your car heater suddenly starts blowing out cold air instead of heat. The harsh winters can be made tolerable by unreliable car heaters.
Car heaters, like a home heating system, have many parts that work together to heat your car, so a number of things could potentially go wrong. If one or more of these issues is present, your vehicle may blow out cool air rather than heat:
• Not enough coolant in the engine
• Problems with the heater core
• Clogged or broken heating controls
• Dysfunctional thermostats
• Water leaks
Let’s examine each of these concerns in more detail.
Reasons Why Your Car Heater is Blowing Cool Air
Not Enough Coolant
Especially during the sweltering summer months, your car uses coolant, which is typically composed of 50% antifreeze and 50% water, to cool down its engine. In the winter, when you turn up your heat, 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 the blowing of cool air persists. 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 found in cooling systems. Brass or aluminum tubing and fans that spread the heat produced by the coolant make up a heater core. The coolant is carried in and out of the heater core by the hot coolant. The heating and defrosting functions of a car are carried out by the heater core. Typically, heater cores are located directly behind the dashboards.
You might have a problem with your heater core 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
Broken Or Clogged Heater Controls
The control buttons can occasionally become clogged and cease to function 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. Your car’s hood has a heater control valve that serves as a switch to turn them on and off the heat. Your car might become stuck blowing cool air into the cabin if that component is not functioning properly.
Dysfunctional Thermostat
If you notice that your thermostat gauge stays on the “C” even after the engine has time to heat up, you may have a broken thermostat. The coolant won’t be sent over to your heater core to heat it if the thermostat is unable to communicate to the car that the engine is warm, leaving the air cool. Installing a new thermostat can quickly get your heater working again because they are a simple and inexpensive repair.
Water Leaks
A water leak is the final frequent issue with car heaters. Leaks can occur in a variety of locations, so make sure to inspect your hoses, radiator, and water pump for damage. Your car heater won’t operate properly if any of these three are leaking.
How to Fix It
Low Coolant Level
Your coolant reservoirs’ fluid levels should be checked. To repair your car heater if it is low, top off the coolant.
Faulty Thermostat
Your thermostat’s inability to function prevents it from alerting the engine and prevents the coolant from heating the heater core. To fix your heater, you’ll need to install a new thermostat.
Clogged Heater Core
To get your heater working again, either has a professional clear a clogged heater core passage or clean any debris from the heater core exterior.
Summary
A winter that is more enjoyable can be achieved with an efficient heating system. Contact a trustworthy local auto repair shop to have a look at your heating system if you experience any of these problems or can’t get heat to blow out of your vents. The earliest possible attention should be given to heater issues in vehicles. If you ignore the issue, it might later grow to be more serious and expensive.
FAQ
How Much Does It Cost to Fix No Heat in the Car?
There are numerous potential causes for your car’s heat not to be working. A broken heater core will cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to replace, or it could be low coolant fuel, which costs $10 to purchase and refill.
How Do I Know If My Heater Core is Clogged?
The simplest method is to let your car warm up and set the heat to MAX. No heat will be felt inside the vehicle, and if only one of the hoses is warm, there is no flow through the heater core. But a broken heater control valve can also be to blame for this.
How Can I Heat My Car Without a Heater?
There is, sadly, no effective way to heat your car without a heater. If you don’t want to fix them, carrying a lot of clothes in your car is probably the best option. Although there are some, they are risky for both you and your vehicle.
