Why Is My Car Heater Blowing Cold Air?
During chilly morning drives and winter travels, you’ll need to have a quality functioning heater to make the drives more comfortable. When you experience a problem with your car’s heating system, those drives around Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, Colorado, will become difficult to sit through. So, it’s important to get the heat back into your car to endure those cold drives.
Your heat is important for having a relaxing drive. The service team at McDonald Hyundai has the experience and knowledge necessary to determine the cause of your heat issue and get you back on the road in a warm ride.
5 Potential Causes for Cold Air in Car Heater
There are several potential causes for chills where you expect toasty warmth. These will each result in cool air and require different types of service to repair.
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Clogged or broken heat controls
- Heater core problems
- Low Engine Coolant
- Water leaks
1. Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your thermostat gauge remains on “C” even after giving time for the engine to heat up, then it may be broken. The thermostat tells the car that the engine is warm, so if it isn’t working, the car won’t know the engine is warmed up.
Coolant is transferred to the heater core to provide warmth once the engine’s heat is recognized. Without that recognition, the coolant won’t be supplied to the heater core, and the air coming out of the vents will be cool.
2. Clogged or Broken Heat Controls
Sometimes the issue can be as simple as a stuck button. Years of use might cause the buttons to stick or otherwise stop working. The heater control valve, which acts as the on/off switch for your heat, may also be malfunctioning. By fixing a broken heater control valve, your vehicle’s vents can begin blowing hot air again.
3. Heater Core Problems
Noticing any of these signs could be a sign of a malfunctioning heater core:
- Fog inside the vehicle
- Sweet smelling odor
- Engine overheating
- Accelerated coolant use
The problem with the heater core itself could be anything from a clog in the tubing to an air blockage. The heater core is responsible for heating and defrosting throughout the vehicle. Visit our certified technicians if you suspect heater core troubles.
4. Low Engine Coolant
Coolant is an antifreeze-water mixture that cools down your engine. In colder weather, coolant is brought over to the heater core, creating warm air throughout the cabin. While the air may feel cool for a short period as the engine warms up, cool air throughout your drive could mean that there isn’t enough coolant to reach the heater core. Topping off the engine coolant is a simple way to correct this issue.
5. Water Leaks
Your hoses, radiator, and water pump are all used to deliver warm air to the cabin. A leak in any of these parts will reduce your car’s ability to make warm air. Have an expert take a look and repair any leakage.
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Schedule Car Heater Repair in Littleton, CO
Now what we can answer the question, “why is my car heater blowing cold air?” it’s time to determine which of these steps will get the heat back into your cold drives. Drivers in the chilling winter of Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, CO, need a heating system to keep them toasty. Visit our certified technicians at McDonald Hyundai and have a heat system check-up today!
