Why Won’t My Heater Work In My Car?
Northern Michigan winters are notoriously long and cold. If you’re on the road every day, you will need a reliable set of wheels with a functioning heater to stay comfortable. We see plenty of drivers experience car heater issues in the first weeks of fall and throughout the season. Here’s what you need to know!
How Do Car Heaters Work?
Your engine does more than keep your vehicle moving. The warmth of your car’s heater is also generated by the engine, which is why it takes a while for your heater to start blowing warm air after ignition. The heat produced by combustion is directed to a heater core. A heater core functions as a heat exchanger, warming a fluid (coolant, ironically) and then blown through fans to the cabin of your car.
3 Reasons Your Car Heater Isn’t Working
There are several possible reasons your car heater isn’t working, but you’ll often need a professional mechanic to make the diagnosis if it involves part replacement. If your car heater is broken, start by investigating the fixes you can make at home to see if they resolve the issue.
1. Low Antifreeze or Coolant
Coolant isn’t just for your car’s air conditioning. Coolant absorbs the heat of the engine in the heater core before it’s blown into the car’s interior. Low levels of coolant can make reduce the amount of coolant cycling through the heater core and makes heat transfer much less efficient. Top off your coolant to see if that improves the situation.
2. Faulty Thermostat
A faulty automotive thermostat affects your vehicle’s heating system and cooling system, so you may notice issues with your AC unit, too. This is the most common cause of heater failure in vehicles, but you may need a professional technician to replace it for you.
3. Bad Heater Fan
In some cases, heat is being transferred from the engine to the heater core to coolant just fine; the heater fan is failing. A bad heater fan may experience a short that stops it from functioning altogether or experience issues turning the blades, even if the motor itself is still turning. You’ll need a professional to inspect, repair or replace a faulty heat fan.
Stay Comfortable With Car Heater Repair Services
Traverse City survives its cold winters with a little help from Garfield Auto Service Center. We’ve help keep Northern Michigan on the move all year long with fast, professional automotive repairs including car heater service. Schedule your appointment today!