A failing heater can be a frustrating issue for drivers, especially during the colder months. Let’s take a look at a few likely reasons why your car heater is blowing cold air.
Reasons Why Car Heat Is Blowing Cold Air
Passenger vehicles typically feature the use of liquid-cooled engines. A mixture of water and antifreeze will flow through your engine, picking up excess heat created by friction and combustion. Once it has left the engine, most of the coolant travels to the radiator, where it cools down before returning back to the engine.
There are several reasons why this heating process may ultimately fail. The most common issues are detailed below.
Low Coolant Level
Coolant is designed to keep your engine cool, which is especially crucial during the hot summer months in Arizona. In the colder months, though, coolant is responsible for carrying the warmth generated by the engine to the heater core.
This is done in an effort to deliver warm air to the cabin. When the coolant level is low, it means there is less going to the heater core to create the warm air. Simply add coolant to fix this issue during the winter.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat is a valve that opens and closes based on the coolant’s temperature. The valves will remain closed until the engine warms up to a certain temperature. If the valves refuse to open when that temperature is reached, the coolant will not disperse properly.
Conversely, if your thermostat is stuck open, the engine will take much longer to heat up. If the heater is blowing lukewarm air, it is likely the result of thermostat issues.
Coolant Leak
A water leak is another common issue that may cause cold air to be emitted when turning on the heat. Because there are a lot of places where water leaks can happen, it’s suggested to check the radiator, hoses, and water pump first.
These can prevent your car’s heater from working correctly. A proper heating system will make those cold mornings more bearable.
Air In The Cooling System
Typically, the heater core sits atop the cooling system. Air can sometimes become trapped when moving through.
The air bubbles can make it quite difficult for coolant to flow throughout the system. This problem can be fixed by flushing out the air bubbles.
Clogged Heater Core
The heater core typically is placed directly at the back of the dashboard. It is responsible for both heating and defrosting the car. Heater cores are a cooling apparatus designed to move hot coolant from the engine in and out in order to diffuse the heat brought by the coolant.
Here are a few signs of a clogged heater core:
- The engine overheats constantly.
- The vehicle uses more coolant than usual.
- There is fog inside the vehicle.
- There is a noticeable sweet smell inside the vehicle.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to contact the experienced team at Heath’s Auto Service for more information!
Heath’s Auto Service In Scottsdale, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, we offer a comprehensive range of services and repairs to meet all your automotive needs. From routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs involving brake systems, engine diagnostics, and transmission issues, our highly skilled technicians are equipped with the latest tools and technology to ensure your vehicle is serviced to the highest standards. Contact our team today!
