The winter months can be cold, and when you start your car up, you expect the heater to make things more comfortable for your drive. Unfortunately though, just like any other part of your car, the car’s heater may fail to work. Ideally, you should check the heater before the cold months so you can have any repairs made before winter. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your car heater may not be functioning.
Low Coolant or Antifreeze
One of the top reasons why your car’s heater may not be blowing out hot air is because your car is low on coolant or antifreeze. When your car is low on this fluid, enough fluid does not make it to the heater core to heat up the engine, and thus, your car cannot produce the hot air needed to run through the heater. If your car is low on coolant or antifreeze, your heater will blow out cold air. Check your fluids if you notice this issue and top them up to see if it solves the problem.
Faulty Thermostat
Another common reason why your car’s heater may not functioning is that the thermostat is faulty. The thermostat is essentially a temperature sensor in your car. If the thermostat is not working correctly, your car may think that it is already warmed to its desired settings, and thus, may not kick on. Thermostats typically need to be replaced every five to ten years, depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the temperatures the car is routinely exposed to.
Faulty Heater Fan or Blower Motor Resistor
The final common reason why your car’s heater may not be functioning is that the heater fan or blower motor resistor is damaged or not functioning. This can happen due to age, wear or even car accidents. The heater fan and blower motor resistor both play a role in blowing the hot air the engine creates through your car’s vents, thus heating your car. If the fan or blower is not functioning, the heat will sit on the engine and will not circulate throughout your car. Typically, if this is the problem, you will not feel any air circulating through your vents when you turn the heater on.
If you feel cold air when you turn on your car’s heater, or you do not feel any air at all, there are a number of different causes. Pinpointing the exact reason why the heater is not working can be difficult. Bringing your vehicle to a car repair shop, such as us here at Morgan Auto Repair shop can help you to get your heater issues resolved, ensuring you feel warm when you are out driving this winter. Call us at our Tracy, Manteca or Stockton locations today to schedule an appointment.