Thermostat
If your car isn’t blowing hot air, the first thing to check is the thermostat. This is a fairly easy fix, and depending on the car you may even be able to repair it yourself. Thermostats wear out and can get stuck in either an open or closed position, causing the heater to not work properly. In fact, this piece is what warms and cools the coolant in your car. A worn-out thermostat can lead both to overheating and overcooling of the car, depending on how badly it’s worn. If you think your thermostat may be worn out, your mechanic can usually change this quickly and easily.
Gunk and Grime
Another issue that can cause your car to not heat properly is gunk and grime in the coolant system. Since the coolant is what helps regulate the temperature in your car, this can cause major issues. When sediment accumulates between the coolant and the heater core, it restricts the flow of the coolant. This is also an easy fix, and usually only requires a flush of the coolant system. In some rare cases the buildup may require tubing replacement. Your mechanic will be able to check the system for you and service the coolant lines effectively.
Electrical Problems
In some cases, the reason the heater isn’t working properly is due to electrical problems in the car. If you notice your blower motor isn’t running or there is no sound or air coming out, make sure to have your mechanic check the electrical system. There are several things that can cause these issues, including the fuses, the fan motor, and even a loose wire. The fix for electrical problems can be as simple as changing out a fuse, or it can be much more difficult.
Heater Controls
While you think you’re turning the heater up, it’s possible that the controls are not actually connecting properly to your car’s heating system. Heater controls can get stuck, broken, or clogged. If you think you’re turning the heater up but it’s not getting warmer in the car, talk to your mechanic. They should be able to quickly and easily fix the issue. In some cases, it’s as easy as cleaning off buildup around the controls. Other times, it may be more difficult and require a full replacement of the controls.
Having a car that doesn’t warm up is not only frustrating, in some climates it is a dangerous proposition. Make sure your heater is working properly before extremely cold temperatures set in. If you notice your car isn’t getting as warm as you’d like, or the heater never actually kicks in, make sure to take your car in for a check.
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