6 Reasons Why Your Car Heater Isn’t Working Properly

Winters are almost here and one of the most important components that we require while driving in winters is the heater. Our car heater can make our journey extremely comfortable while the weather conditions outside are still cold. Although the working of the car heater is quite simple, there can be multiple reasons behind its failure. Rather than suffering from the bitterly cold winter, you should get your car heater inspected well in advance. In today’s featured we prepare you for the winters and tell you about the reasons why your car heater might not work properly.

1. Low Coolant Level
   

   

   Let’s understand the basics first. Coolant is used to maintain an optimum temperature inside your car’s engine block, especially, during extreme summers. Once the coolant extracts the heat from the engine, it is passed on from the heater core which blows hot air into your car if the heater is turned on. So, if your car is low on coolant, your car heater won’t work properly at all.

   Get your car’s heater inspected at GoMechanic
   

   Alternatively, when you start your car on a cold day, the coolant takes some time to reach the optimum temperature. It is completely normal if the heater doesn’t blow hot air in the initial 5-10 minutes till the engine heats up. If the heater doesn’t blow hot air at all, your car might be critically low on coolant and therefore, the heater core is not receiving any of it to send hot air inside the cabin.

2. Heater Core Issue
   

   

   Another reason why your car heater might not be working properly is the heater core. Your car might have adequate coolant level but the heater core might be clogged! The coolant that enters into the heater core needs a proper channel to travel. If your car’s heater core is clogged, the heater won’t work properly at all.

   The heater core is mainly responsible for the smooth movement of the coolant liquid and the defrosting & heating action of the vehicle. Well, there are other signs which indicate a faulty heater core as well. If you notice your engine overheating despite a normal coolant level or your coolant gets consumed very quickly, the heater core is at fault. Experiencing frequent fog inside the cabin is also a sign of faulty heater core.

3. Heater Control Valve
   

   

   The car heater valve is responsible for controlling the temperature of air blowing inside your car’s cabin. This valve controls the amount of coolant that flown inside the heater core according to the heater temperature requested by you. If this valve gets jammed or becomes faulty, the heater core will not be able to adjust according to your needs until you get this valve fixed or replaced. You know where to get this done!

4. Malfunctioning Controls
   

   

   These controls are absolutely fine when the car is new. With time, these controls are subjected to excessive use which might lead to the controls getting jammed or malfunction. If you cannot spot any of the above three issues with your car heater, you might have to get your control buttons/knobs checked. Although there is a very less chance of these controls malfunctioning, you can still give it a try and get them checked.

   Read Top 10 Reasons that your Car AC isn’t Cooling Enough

5. Defective Thermostat
   

   

   Another reason why your car heater might be blowing cold air is the thermostat. If your car’s temperature gauge still points at C even after your engine has got enough time to heat up, you have a broken thermostat. Your car’s cooling system might not activate in this situation and as the heater core will not receive any coolant, it won’t be able to send hot air inside your cabin. Thermostats are easy to fix and don’t cost much too.

6. Cooling System Leak
   

   

   Another reason behind the car heater issues is the possible leak. You should thoroughly check your car’s hoses, radiator and water pump for any signs of leakage. If you spot any sign of leakage in the hose or spot water leaking from the surface like in the picture shown above, you should get your car inspected at a GoMechanic workshop near you.

Read 8 Signs Of A Failing Car AC | Car Air Conditioner Diagnosis

These were the 6 signs, why your car heater isn’t working properly. If you are facing any of these problems, we are just a click away. You can book your car’s heater inspection with GoMechanic and be winter-ready!