Nothing is exasperating as a car heater that suddenly stops working in the middle of a drive during the cold season. As you tune your car for this winter, please don't ignore the heating system or assume it will continue working well as always. Your vehicle's heating is one of the most important components in the cold season, and you should exercise due care.
While there is no specific warning for a faulty car heater, you should know the main reasons behind a failing heating system. There are different repairs, depending on the cause and problem detected. Rather than wait and suffer in the bitter winter cold, ensure your car heater is well inspected in advance.
Causes of Faulty Car Heater
Different reasons cause heater failure in your vehicle and understanding these factors will save you from unpleasant surprises in those unfavorable weather conditions. Let's take a look at these causes.
Faulty Thermostat
A defective thermostat is one of the most common reasons for your car's faulty heater. Besides causing issues in your heating, it also interferes with the engine's cooling system. However, thermostats don't cost much and are easy to fix.
Low Coolant Level
Coolant is used to sustain an optimum temperature in your car's engine block, especially in those extreme hot seasons. It extracts heat from the engine and passes it from the heater core blowing hot air into your car if the heater is on. However, if your car's coolant is low, it won't work properly, causing heater problems.
Clogged Heater Core
Dust, rust particles, and other debris deposited in the coolant system over time, clog the heater core leading to heating problems. You can either refurbish your heater core or replace it.
Malfunctioning Controls
Due to excessive use, the heating system controls get jammed or malfunction. If you notice your heater not working and you have ruled out other factors mentioned here, have your control knobs or buttons checked.
Defective Heater Fan
The heater fan that blows heat in the cabin can sometimes break or suffer an electrical short. This problem causes your heating system to be faulty.
What to Do
The factors mentioned above including, leaky radiator, blown fuses, and motor resistors, can cause heater problems. However, ensure a reputable mechanic checks your car's heating system. Regular maintenance will also help you prevent breakdowns. As mentioned earlier, there is no specific indicator for a failing car heater but look out for these signals.
- Reduced heat
- Presence or smells of coolant
- Foggy windows
- Pungent rotten egg smell
Your vehicle's cooling system maintenance can prevent heater failure. If you need car heater repair, visit South Denver Automotive today.