Nothing disrupts your morning commute like a faulty car heater, especially in the winter season when you need your car's heater the most.
Imagine driving to work with your car's interior feeling like an ice-box; this is nothing short of miserable, especially if the temperatures in winter drop to -20 degrees Celsius like in Canada.
So why does a faulty car heater cause such misery? Well, without it, your defroster cannot blow warm air inside the vehicle. This means the only difference between you and another person who is walking is the speed.
If you notice that your windshield is a little foggy, then it might be time to pay your mechanic a visit.
Common Causes of a Car Heater Breakdown
Your car heater can stop working for a number of reasons;
- Low water/anti-freeze level that can result from a leak in the vehicle's cooling system.
- A faulty thermostat that prevents your engine from warming up properly.
- A faulty blower fan.
- A heater fan that isn't working properly.
- A broken blower motor resistor.
- Contaminated coolant that ends up blocking your car's heating core from circulating warm air in the cabin.
Preventive Maintenance
Following simple maintenance can help you prolong your car's heater and prevent frequent breakdowns.
- Ensure that the coolant and anti-freeze are free from contaminants such as rust.
- Conduct regular inspections to sure all the blower, fans and thermostat are working properly.
- Always ensure that the coolant is at the required level at all times.
Wrapping Up
The most common reason for a car heater breakdown is low coolant levels. Since this fluid does not evaporate, the only way this usually happens is if your car's cooling system is leaking. That is why you should always check coolant's levels.
Repairing your faulty car heater as soon as you notice a problem ensures you enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. If you need car heater repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today! Our technicians will assess the damage and determine if it's simply a loose hose clamp or a major problem that requires more attention.