There’s a chill in the air as you head off to work in the morning. You turn the knob on your dashboard expecting warm air to blow from your vents. Instead, you get an arctic blast. When you find the heat not working in car cabin, bring it down to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Parts Of Your Car’s Heating System
Generally, your car has 5 main parts to the heating system:
- Heater core
- Blower/fan
- Coolant/Hoses
- Thermostat
- Control panel
Typically, all car engines have an optimal operating temperature. The thermostat, a temperature-sensitive valve, is responsible for keeping your engine within this specific temperature range. It does this by regulating the flow of coolant throughout the engine.
Once your car heats up, your coolant absorbs heat from the engine. Some of this heated coolant passes through the heater core. When you turn on your heat via a knob on your cabin control panel, you activate the fan. As air passes over the heater core, it picks up the warmth from the heated coolant. The warm air blows out through the vents heating up the cabin.
Top Reasons Why Your Heat Isn’t Working
When cold air blows from your car’s vents on a bitterly cold day, it can make driving unbearable. Yet, determining the problem can mean one of several components is not functioning properly:
1. Low Coolant
Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze that helps keep your car at the optimal operating temperature. Old gaskets, hoses, or radiators can leak precious coolant. Without enough coolant circulating, you won’t have enough hot liquid in your heater core.
2. Dirty Coolant
As coolant circulates through your car’s engine, it can pick up rust, scale, and other debris. This contamination in your system may make your coolant more susceptible to freezing. Also, dirty coolant flows slower affecting the heat transfer.
3. Bad Blower Motor/Fan
Another part of your heating system is the blower motor or fan. This component pushes air over the heater core to pick up heat from the heater core. As it starts to fail, its power will weaken and you may hear unusual noises. With feeble airflow, your cabin won’t warm up.
4. Failing Thermostat
Your car’s thermostat prevents coolant from circulating until your engine reaches optimal operating efficiency. Once the engine reaches the ideal temperature, the thermostat opens and allows coolant to flow through the system.
Usually, most car owners understand the danger of a thermostat stuck in the closed position – an overheating engine. However, a thermostat stuck in the open position can also be problematic. With coolant continually flowing, your engine will run cool. Moreover, it can’t generate heat to warm your cabin.
5. Heater Core Problem
Basically, the heater core is a small radiator. Thus, it can develop leaks and clogs preventing your heating system from working properly.
Required Maintenance For Your Heating System
Generally, every part of your car needs maintenance. Performing recommended routine maintenance keeps your car running efficiently, avoids breakdowns, and extends the life of your vehicle. Your heating system is no exception.
Typically, you should schedule annual inspections. At this appointment, your mechanic will check to ensure all components and fluids are in good condition. One of the fluids your technician will check is your coolant. Both the level and quality of this fluid are critical.
Moreover, it may be time for a coolant flush. This process removes the old coolant along with rust, dirt, and sludge from your cooling system. Your mechanic will then refill your system with fresh coolant.
Another component many car owners forget about is their cabin air filter. This filter prevents dirt and pollutants from entering your car through the heating and cooling system. Over time, your filter will become clogged with dirt putting a strain on your blower motor. You may even notice reduced airflow or heating performance.
Heat Not Working In Car – FAQs
What are your best options when you find the heat not working in car cabin? Below, we’ve answered a few questions about your vehicle’s heating system.
How Much Will It Cost To Fix The Heat In My Car?
Without knowing what’s wrong with your heat, we can’t quote you a price. Some repairs are relatively inexpensive like a coolant flush. Others can be quite costly like replacing a blower motor.
However, we understand the importance of knowing the exact cost of the repair. That’s why we’ll give you a free no-obligation estimate before we begin.
Can I Fix The Heat Myself?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the problem with your car’s heating system. You could end up buying and installing parts that don’t fix the problem. However, using the latest diagnostic equipment, Xpress Lube can uncover your heating problem and accurately fix it.
Moreover, even a seemingly simple task like flushing your coolant can cause complications. For example, what will you do with the old coolant? Anti-freeze, an ingredient in coolant, is poisonous. Allowing coolant to flow into the storm drain exposes the local water system to harmful chemicals. At Xpress Lube, we value the environment by recycling your old coolant.
How Can I Reduce My Car Repair Expenses?
The best way to avoid expensive repairs is to keep up with routine maintenance. Fluid changes, annual inspections, and replacement of worn components are extremely important. Your owner’s manual will outline the maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Of course, if you’re not sure about the servicing your car needs, bring it to us. Our ASE-certified mechanics can service and repair both domestic and foreign vehicles. Plus, we have an onsite car wash to take care of your car’s exterior.
Heat not working in car cabin? Bring your car to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville for fast and friendly service.
