As fall arrives, most people are beginning to prepare for the arrival of colder weather. It's that time of the year when you start cranking up your vehicle's heater instead of the AC. If your heater is blowing cold air on an unusually frigid day, you need to take your car in for auto maintenance at the soonest possible time. A broken heater is not just inconvenient, but it can also be a driving hazard. Here are a few possible reasons why your vehicle's heater isn't working.

5 Causes of a Faulty Car Heater

1. Low Coolant Level

Many cars use coolants to heat the cabins. The antifreeze is pumped to the heater core, where the air passes through and becomes warm enough before being released under the dashboard. So, when you're running low on coolant, there won't be enough to go through the engine's cooling system and reach the heater core. Top off your coolant as necessary, but don't forget to check for leaks if it seems to be draining quicker than usual.

2. Bad Heater Core

They are similar to radiators in terms of design and function, but they are much more compact. It is responsible for defrosting and heating your vehicle, so when it begins to fail, expect your heater to blow out cold air instead. Pay attention to fogging inside the car, overheating, and low coolant levels as signs of a faulty heater core. Bring your vehicle to an auto maintenance shop for a proper diagnosis if any of these issues are occurring regularly.

3. Faulty Thermostat

Sometimes, the reason your heater isn't warming the cabin could be related to your thermostat. When it's broken or stuck on the cooling setting instead of heating, your car won't be able to adjust the temperature and move the coolant to the heater core. 

4. Stuck Blend Door

Most vehicles have a blend door, which controls the airflow through the heater core. When the blend door gets stuck, the air in your cabin can get too hot, lukewarm, or even cold. Since there are numerous reasons why the blend door would get stuck, let your auto maintenance expert have a look and fix the problem.  

5. Busted Blower Motor

The blower motor forces air into the heater core and moves it toward the cabin. When your heater doesn't put out any air, you may have problems with your car's blower motor and its components. Have an auto repair specialist determine if the engine isn't receiving power because of a faulty resistor, switch, relay, or fuse. 

When your vehicle's heater isn't working, bring your car to the trustworthy experts of Fulton County Best One Tires & Service Center in Rochester, IN. Their licensed professionals can evaluate your needs and ensure that you will stay warm on the road throughout the fall and winter. In business since 1999, they offer auto maintenance and tune-ups, including brake repair, wheel alignment, and transmission services, to motorists in and around Fulton County. Call (574) 223-2103 to set an appointment or inquire via their website today.