When chilly temperatures set in, a driver relies on their car's heater to maintain their comfort and protect them from the cold. Driving with a malfunctioning heater, especially in the winter months, can be a frustrating experience. Before you take your car in for auto repairs, it can be helpful to understand the following common reasons why heaters malfunction.

Why Is My Car's Heater Not Working?

1. Low Coolant Levels

Coolant is a combination of antifreeze and water that is used to keep the engine from overheating. The coolant also helps carry heat from the engine to the heater whenever the latter is turned on. When you have low coolant levels, the heater fan will blow normally, but the air will be cold. Bear in mind it might take a minute or so for the engine to heat up in the winter, so it could take a little longer for warm air to reach the heater core. Fortunately, coolant levels are an easy fix, as an auto repair shop can top them off for you.

2. Broken Thermostat

The thermostat in a car works just like a thermostat in a home, serving as a command center for the warm and cool air output. The thermostat controls the circuits in the car's heating system, but if one of those circuits remains closed, despite the adjustment of the thermostat, coolant can't fully reach the heater core, resulting in air that never warms. In this instance, your auto repair technician will need to replace the thermostat.

3. Heater Core Issues

To produce warm air, the heater needs to be able to fill with hot coolant routed in from the engine. If you feel the slightest warmth from the vents, then the issue is likely not with the heater core but with the fan. But if the vents are churning out only cool air, it could be a heater core problem. Additional signs of heater core dysfunction include a sweet scent coming from the vents, fog in the cabin, and engine overheating. 

When you need a car heating system service, trust the auto care team at Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions. Since 1999, they have been serving customers throughout the Oak Harbor, WA, area. They offer auto repairs for all aspects of your vehicle, including climate control systems, brakes, power steering, transmissions, and alternators. They also provide regular oil changes and routine tune-ups. Call (360) 679-0700 or visit their website to schedule a service.