Don't Get Left in the Cold: Your Car's Heater Explained
As the Queensland winter rolls in, there’s nothing better than a warm, comfortable car on a chilly morning commute.
But what do you do when you turn the knob and all you get is a blast of cold air?
Your car’s heating system is more than just a convenience; it’s a crucial part of your vehicle’s climate control, and it’s essential for demisting your windscreen for safe driving.
Here at AirCon Guy Gold Coast while we’re known as the experts in car air conditioning, we’re also highly skilled in all things climate control, including your car’s heating.
Today, let’s dive into how your car’s heater works and what to look for if you’re experiencing problems.
How Does My Car’s Heater Work?
Unlike your air conditioning, which uses a compressor and refrigerant, your car’s heating system is remarkably simple and efficient. It uses the heat that your engine naturally produces as a byproduct of combustion.
Think of it like this: your engine runs hot, and to prevent it from overheating, coolant (a mixture of water and anti-freeze) is circulated through the engine block. This hot coolant then flows into a small radiator-like device called the heater core, which is located behind your car’s dashboard.
When you turn on your heater, a fan blows air across this hot heater core. The air absorbs the heat and is then directed into the cabin through your vents, giving you that warm, toasty feeling. It’s a clever and effective way to repurpose waste heat!
What to Look for When Your Heater Isn’t Working
A lack of heat is the most obvious sign of a problem, but it’s not always easy to diagnose the cause. Here are some common symptoms and what they might indicate:
- No Heat at All: If your heater is blowing nothing but cold air, a few things could be at play.
- Low Coolant Level: This is the most common and easiest issue to check. If your coolant level is low, there isn’t enough fluid circulating to carry heat to the heater core. Always check your coolant when the engine is cold to avoid burns.
- Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat is a valve that regulates the flow of coolant to the engine. If it’s stuck open, the engine may never reach its optimal operating temperature, meaning the coolant never gets hot enough to provide cabin heat.
- Clogged Heater Core: Over time, sediment and corrosion can build up in the heater core, restricting the flow of hot coolant. This is a bit like a clogged artery in your car’s heating system and can be a tricky fix.
- Faulty Blower Fan or Resistor: If you can’t hear the fan blowing air at all, or it only works on one speed, the issue might be with the blower motor or its resistor. This is more of an electrical issue, which is where our auto electrical expertise comes in!
- Inconsistent or Lukewarm Heat: If your heat is patchy or not as warm as it should be, you could have an issue with the heater control valve, a partially clogged heater core, or a problem with the blend door actuator, which directs air through the heater core.
- Strange Smells: If you smell a sweet, syrupy odour, it could be a sign of a coolant leak from the heater core. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, as a leaking heater core can leak coolant into your car’s interior.
- Wet Carpet: You might notice the wet carpet before the smell
Your Car’s Heating System: An Auto Electrical Perspective
While the core of the heating system is mechanical, the controls, fans, and actuators are all electrical.
A faulty switch, a blown fuse, or a wiring issue can be the reason you’re left in the cold. At AirCon Guy Gold Coast we use specialised diagnostic equipment to trace electrical faults and get to the root of the problem, whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex issue.
Don’t suffer through another cold Queensland winter. If your car’s heating is on the fritz,
Call us today on 0467 060 632 or visit our workshop in
6 Alfred Raymond Hulse Drive Upper Coomera
We’ll get your heater working perfectly again so you can enjoy a warm and comfortable drive, no matter the weather.