The winter season brings cold temperatures and ice, requiring car owners to ensure their vehicles are prepared for the challenging weather conditions.
One essential task is checking your car’s heater before venturing out into the cold. If your car’s heater is malfunctioning, there are steps you can take to identify and address the issue.
How the Car’s Heating System Works
The heating system in a car works by warming the air that is blown into the vehicle’s cabin. However, the heater doesn’t immediately blow hot air when you start the engine.
It’s important to note that the colder it is outside, the longer it will take for your car to heat up and maintain warmth.
This delay is primarily due to the thermostat, which is a temperature-sensitive valve in the cooling system between the engine and the radiator.
Engines have an optimal operating temperature that typically ranges between 90 and 104 degrees Celsius; if the temperature is lower, the engine operates less efficiently and produces more emissions.
To help the engine reach this ideal temperature as quickly as possible, the thermostat closes, preventing coolant from flowing through the entire cooling system.
Once the engine reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat opens, allowing the warmed coolant to circulate through the heater core and warm up the cabin.
Common Car Heater Problems
In about 90% of cases, car heater issues are due to one of the following causes:
- A faulty heater switching system.
- A clogged cabin air filter that restricts airflow through the heater core.
- A malfunctioning thermostat valve.
- A clogged heater core.
Steps to Take When Your Car Heater Isn’t Working
To resolve the issue, it’s important to first determine the root cause. There are several steps you can try yourself before seeking professional help. Start by checking whether the heater is turning on by adjusting the blower to a high setting.
If the heat still isn’t coming on, try adjusting the temperature settings and moving them around to see if you can find a working temperature.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to inspect the components under the hood. Look for fluid leaks, broken hoses, or loose connections. Additionally, check the exhaust manifold to ensure it’s neither wet nor hot to the touch.
If everything appears normal under the hood, you may need to replace the cabin air filter. If the heater is blowing warm air but not hot air, the problem might be a blockage in the engine.
One way to address this is by using a garden hose to rinse the exhaust manifold, which can help clear any debris obstructing the heater core. Another method is to run your car for about 15 minutes to see if that resolves the issue.
What to Do When Your Car’s Heater Still Isn’t Working
If none of these steps have fixed the issue, it might be time to consult a professional. If the problem doesn’t lie under the hood, there’s a possibility that the heater core is defective and may need to be replaced.