Baby, it’s cold outside! So let’s rug up and dive into the toasty world of car heating.
How does car heating work?
Car heating systems have come a long way since the early days when the absence of mechanised heating solutions inspired a large industry for specialist clothing. Fur jackets, gloves, fur-lined helmets and driving goggles, while sartorially classy, were necessary to keep frostbite at bay! Margaret A. Wilcox patented the very first mechanical car heater in 1893, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that similar solutions were available at the point of manufacture; albeit as luxurious and expensive add-ons.
These days, your car heater is a critical component of your vehicle’s engine, where it not only heats your vehicle cabin to keep you and your passengers comfortable but also keeps the engine cool. Excess heat generated by the engine is absorbed by engine coolant. That coolant is transferred to the heater core, where depending on the controls you’ve selected in the cabin, the blower motor then forces air across the core and into the cabin to achieve your desired climate choice.
3 common car heating issues
Feeling a bit chilly in the car? Let’s take a look at some of the most common car heating issues.
- Low coolant levels — If you don’t maintain the recommended level of engine coolant, there won’t be enough fluid flowing to heat the heater core to heat your vehicle efficiently. Driving with low coolant levels may also cause your engine to overheat, which can lead to major – and expensive – damage to your vehicle. Check the indicator on your coolant tank and refill if you’re confident in doing so. If you notice that your coolant levels are dropping quickly, make sure you bring your vehicle in to see us – this may be a sign of a leak or other fault in the system. A coolant leak can be an indicator of a more serious issue with your radiator or radiator hose; it’s something to get on top of early before you find yourself on the side of the road.
- A failing heater core — If you notice cool air in the cabin when you expect it to be warm, or an unusual smell coming through the vents, the heater core may be malfunctioning. Another failing heater core indicator can be a sudden ‘fogging up’ of the windows in the vehicle’s cabin.
- Faulty heater fan — Is the airflow in your vehicle’s cabin weak or inconsistent? Can you hear a slapping or whirring sound that increases in frequency as you turn up the fan? Your heater fan may be the culprit.
How to get the most out of your car heating system
So how can we keep it toasty in our cars this winter? Here’s a few simple tips for getting the best performance out of your car heater.
Get moving!
The sooner you get your car on the move, the sooner the engine can generate the heat you need to be toasty and warm, so don’t sit in your driveway for too long!
Cranking the heat up all the way doesn’t get you warmer faster
Much like the thermostat in your home, cranking the heater setting to maximum doesn’t actually heat the space any faster. Simply set the heat to your desired temperature and be patient; it’ll get there! It can be tempting to crank up the fan dial in the hope of getting warmer sooner but beware, this may simply blow cool air on you while you wait.
Keep that ‘A/C’ button switched on
It might feel counter-intuitive, but the air conditioning setting is really important for removing moisture from the air in the cabin, and thus keeping you fog-free on those frosty mornings. Leave it on; it won’t draw more power or fuel than it needs to remove moisture. Similarly, you may find your vehicle fogging up if you have it in ‘recirculation’ mode, as you really need fresh air coming in to stay dry. Fogging up regularly even with the air conditioner on? There may be an issue with your compressor, so make sure you bring your car in for a once-over by the experts.
How often should you service your car heating system?
The best cure for costly car heater issues is prevention – so keep up your regular servicing schedule and we’ll help you keep ahead of any problems before they arise. Much like with your air conditioning system more generally, different parts of your climate control system will require servicing at different times, according to your vehicle’s servicing schedule.
Don’t ignore the warning signs
If you’re feeling chilly on the road or have noticed a coolant leak, don’t wait! Bring your vehicle in and we’ll use our sophisticated diagnostic tools to identify and rapidly resolve any air conditioning or car heater issues before more damage is done. We can keep you on the move with a loan vehicle, free of charge.
Book a car service today – we’ll take care of you and your vehicle, and have you back on the road and toasty warm in no time!
