Are you having issues with the heat in your car not working? We can help. When your car heat isn’t working, any number of issues could be the cause. Our certified and experienced mechanics will diagnose the problem and go over your options for fixing your heat. You don’t have to freeze while driving this winter when you have Kernersville Auto Center on your side.

Common Causes of a Car’s Heat Not Working

When you bring your vehicle to our shop, the first thing we need to do is figure out exactly why your heat isn’t working. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Coolant Leak – If your coolant is low, you probably have a leak somewhere in the system. Without proper coolant levels, your heater might blow air, but it won’t be warm.
• Broken Thermostat – Thermostats don’t last forever. This is easy to replace, and will solve the problem quickly.
• Faulty Blower Mower Resistor or Heater Fan – If you’re not feeling any air blowing at all, you might have a broken blower motor resistor or heater fan.
• Stuck Valves – Some heating systems in cars have valves that control the temperature of the air the fans blow into your vehicle. If the valve is stuck open or closed, the air won’t be the right temperature.
• Bubbles in the System – This is a common problem if you had a recent coolant flush. It can also happen if you have a defective radiator cap. Air bubbles can clog the system, which means the coolant doesn’t circulate to the heater core.
• Broken Heater Core – If you smell a sweet scent or it smells like your engine is overheating or burning, the heater core might be the main issue. Often, clogs cause this issue.

We have a lot of experience with car heat repair. Unfortunately, it’s something we see most often as winter sets in and people really need their heat. Check your heat now as you go down this helpful winter car care checklist! That way, if something has gone wrong during the summer, you can make an appointment now. We’ll be able to handle the problem before the cold weather makes driving uncomfortable or even dangerous.

Car Heat Maintenance

The absolutely best way to prevent heater problems is to make sure to maintain the heating and cooling throughout the year. It’s actually quite easy and inexpensive! Car heat maintenance is as simple as checking coolant levels and inspecting the system for leaks, rust, debris, and other potential problems. You might think that maintaining your car’s heat and air conditioning isn’t as big of a deal as other maintenance, such as brake inspection. However, problems with your coolant can actually have bad consequences for your engine as well.

When you bring your vehicle to Kernersville Auto Center for any service, we automatically do a courtesy fluid check. However, you can schedule a more thorough inspection any time. We recommend having your car’s heating and cooling system checked over at least once a year.

Of course, if you see any potential issues, such as a puddle of coolant under your car or barely-warm air, you should come in as soon as possible. You don’t have to wait until the heat in your car is not working at all. The sooner we can fix the problem, the better. A small leak or simple clog can grow to a major repair over time.

FAQs About Fixing Your Car Heater

When your car heat isn’t working, don’t panic. Not only can we fix the problem, but we are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Our mechanics have experience with explaining car repair options in easy-to-understand terms. Questions don’t annoy us! We want you to be able to make the best car repair decisions for your budget.

Here are a few frequently asked questions we hear, but feel free to ask others as you think of them:

Can I repair my car heater myself?

If you simply need to add more coolant, this is something you can easily do at home. However, this rarely fixes the root problem when your car heater isn’t working. Usually, there is a leak if your coolant levels are low. So you’re throwing money down the drain if you add more coolant without fixing the leak first. You may find some other tutorials online for fixing other common car heat problems. That said, unless you have experience as a mechanic, we don’t recommend taking on these tasks by yourself. You can do more damage than good if you misdiagnose the problem or repair it incorrectly. Instead, rely on our experience to get the job done right the first time.

Is the heat in my car not working because of a radiator problem?

In most cases, you would have other signs if you need an expensive radiator repair. However, if your heat isn’t working, it could be connected to a radiator issue. We always check the radiator if your car has a problem with heating or cooling. If your engine is overheating as well, you may have a radiator diagnosis.

What causes car heat problems?

Often, car heaters break down simply due to age. With a vehicle, nothing lasts forever. Over time, parts need maintenance and, eventually, replacement. No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, leaks and broken parts sometimes just happen. Thankfully, you can minimize these repair needs if you do maintain your car well.

Are there other things I should be doing to maintain my car?

Yes! Vehicles need regular oil changes, brake inspection, air filter replacement, tire rotation, and more. If you’ve fallen behind on your car maintenance, don’t worry. We can help you get back on track. Call us today or click here to schedule an appointment with a member of our car care team.