There is nothing worse than hopping into your car on a frosty morning, cranking up the heater and being greeted by a blast of cold air. It’s a rude awakening that is sure to send you back under the covers! If your car heater isn’t warming things up as it should, you’re not alone. Here are five common reasons why the heat isn’t blowing hot air in your car, and what you can do about it.
5 reasons why your heater isn’t blowing hot air in your car
1. Low coolant levels
Car heating systems work by capturing excess heat generated by the engine in a liquid coolant, which then flows to the heater core. A blower motor then forces air across the heater core and into the cabin, keeping you toasty. If you don’t maintain the recommended level of engine coolant, there won’t be enough fluid flowing to heat the heater core, which can result in those icy blasts of air.
Driving with low coolant levels can also cause your engine to overheat, leading to major – and expensive – damage. Check the indicator on your coolant tank and refill if needed. If your coolant levels drop quickly, it could signal a leak, so bring your vehicle in for a check-up with our specialist heating and air-conditioning technicians.
2. Blocked heater core
If your heater core gets clogged with debris, rust, or sludgy old coolant, it may struggle to circulate hot coolant effectively, leaving you shivering. Occasional bursts of lukewarm air after not blowing hot air at all can be an indicator of a blocked heater core. Fortunately, a quick flush can fix this concern quickly. Leave it to the professionals, though – it’s a messy job!
3. Heater control valve issues
The heater control valve regulates the flow of coolant to the heater core. If this valve is malfunctioning, it can prevent hot coolant from entering the heater core, leaving you with cold air. A technician can inspect and replace the heater control valve easily and at a low cost.
4. Faulty thermostat
A thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine, maintaining the optimal operating temperature. If it gets stuck open, the engine may not warm up enough for the heater to blow hot air. Conversely, if it gets stuck closed, the engine can overheat, causing potential (expensive!) damage. Symptoms of a faulty thermostat include fluctuating temperatures, poor heater performance, and sometimes even an overheating engine. Replacing a faulty thermostat is usually a quick and inexpensive fix, but it’s best done as soon as you notice the issue.
5. Blower motor burnout
If your blower motor is failing or there’s an issue with the blower motor resistor, airflow to the cabin of your vehicle might be weak or non-existent. Electrical issues, worn-out bearings or debris that obstructs the motor’s fan blades can all lead to burnout. Indicators that your blower motor is in strife include a complete lack of airflow coming through your vents, or grinding or whirring noises coming from behind the dashboard (often just before you hear the motor stop entirely). In some cases, a burning smell might accompany grinding noises.
The fix for a burned-out blower motor typically involves replacing the motor itself. This is generally a straightforward repair, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. One of our skilled technicians will first diagnose the issue to confirm that the blower motor is the root cause of the problem. Once confirmed, they will remove the faulty motor and install a new one. They’ll also check related components, such as the blower motor resistor and wiring, to ensure there are no additional issues that could cause the new motor to fail prematurely.
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 the heat is not blowing hot air in your car, 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. And we can keep you on the move with a loan vehicle while we do, free of charge.
Book a service today – we’ll take care of you and your vehicle, and have you back on the road and toasty-warm in no time!
