As cold weather sets in, you’re probably starting to use your car heater. But what do you do if the vent suddenly starts blowing cold air or doesn’t blow at all? An unexpected heater malfunction can make driving uncomfortable, but most of the time, the issue is fairly easy to diagnose. The guide below explains three possibilities that may require a visit to an auto shop.

What Could Be Wrong With Your Car’s Heating System?

1. Low Coolant

During the winter, coolant is diverted to the heater core, where it’s warmed and then used to heat the air passing into your car. If the coolant levels are running low, too little or no coolant may be reaching the heater core, causing cold air to blow from the vents. Topping up the coolant may be an easy fix, but if you have a leak in the system, you’ll need to visit a local auto shop.

2. Thermostat Error

To ensure the coolant is warmed to the proper temperature, the vehicle relies on a thermostat. If the thermostat wears out or gets stuck open or closed, it may misjudge the temperature in the vehicle and you’ll notice that the air is either too cold or too hot.

3. Problems With the Controls

Sometimes, the heater will be operating fine, but the controls aren’t communicating correctly with the system. If your car is an older model, the control components may be stuck or jammed with debris. If the problem is advanced, you’ll need your auto shop to replace the controls with new ones. However, in other cases, a cleaning may be enough to get the heat working again.

No matter where your heating problem originates from, you can count on the technicians at Hillis 66 to fix it. For the past four decades, they’ve served Lincoln, NE, drivers with routine auto maintenance and repairs. They also sell new and used tires to help you get better traction on the road this winter. To learn more about their capabilities, visit their website. Call (402) 474-2891 to schedule service.