United Tire and Service News

The weather is getting colder which means sooner or later, we will be looking to crank up our car heaters to keep warm during our commutes. As with many issues with cars, sometimes the answer isn’t clear-cut. For instance, when your heater starts blowing cold air in the middle of winter, that can be a real head scratcher. 

 

Since your car’s heating and cooling system has many involved parts, the problem can stem from any number of issues. But because of this, it's not always a quick and easy diagnosis. The most popular causes of cold air blowing from your heater include:

 

The coolant in your car’s heating and cooling system prevents water from freezing throughout your vehicle, which would otherwise prevent the flow of water through your heating and cooling system. If your vehicle runs low or out of coolant and you continue to operate the engine for an extended period of time, it can cause serious damage to your engine. 

 

In the winter, sometimes it can take a few minutes for your car to warm up and start blowing hot air, but if the hot air never comes, the first thing you should check is your coolant levels. 

 

The heater core is a radiator-like device used in heating the cabin of your car. Hot coolant from your vehicle’s engine is passed through a winding tune of the core (a heat exchanger between coolant and cabin air). 

Your heater core is responsible for operating your car’s heating and defrosting capabilities. A clear sign of a damaged or malfunctioning heater core is foggy windows. 

 

Sometimes, after years of use, your control buttons can get gummed up and stop working. If you check and find your coolant levels are fine, and there isn’t an issue with your heater core, you may just need to replace some control buttons or valves in your heating system. 

 

Did you know your car engine operates at a temperature between 195F and 220F? To help operate within that range, your car uses a thermostat that responds to changes in temperature by opening or closing a valve to control coolant flow between your radiator and engine. 

A faulty thermostat will prevent the engine from operating within its ideal temperature range. A thermostat stuck open or closed will affect the flow of coolant, and either issue will ruin your engine after a while. 

 

The last common cause of cool air blowing from your heater is a water leak. There are many spots water could be leaking from, so it’s important to have your hoses, radiator, and water pump thoroughly checked for any damage. 

 

 

A heater system that is working properly can make for a much more comfortable winter. If you notice any of these common signs of heater system malfunction, call any one of our 13 conveniently located United Tire and Service locations! Our team of professional, highly trained technicians can address any issues your vehicle might be experiencing so you’re comfortable all winter long. Call or schedule your appointment anytime online. This winter, don’t drive alone, Drive United.