A car heater is designed to maintain warm and comfortable temperatures within the cabin of the vehicle. This can be crucial for comfortable driving in the autumn and winter throughout the UK. Unfortunately, these sometimes experience problems and issues that can leave your vehicle cold, compromise driving safety, and reduce visibility. So what are the common problems with car heaters? And how can these be resolved by a professional team like us here at MRS Heat Transfer.
What are the most common problems with car heaters?
There are a number of issues and problems that car heaters can encounter. These include:
- The heater blowing cold air
- A weak or no airflow
- Unpleasant odours
Heater blowing cold air
One of the most common problems that drivers experience with car heaters is that these may blow cold air instead of warm there are a range of causes for this, including:
- Low coolant levels- The car heater relies on the engine’s coolant system to provide warmth. If the coolant level is low due to leaks or insufficient maintenance, the heater will struggle to produce warm air. Checking and topping up the coolant should resolve the issue, but it is important to investigate any leaks that may have caused the low levels in the first place.
- Faulty thermostat- The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine. A faulty thermostat can get stuck open, causing the engine to run too cool and preventing the heater from blowing hot air. Replacing the thermostat usually fixes this issue.
- Airlock in the coolant system- Air pockets in the coolant system can prevent proper circulation of the heated coolant, resulting in cold air being blown into the cabin. Bleeding the coolant system to remove airlocks can restore normal heater function.
Weak or no airflow
Another of the most common problems is weak airflow or, in some cases, no airflow at all. This issue can be caused by several factors:
- Blower motor failure- The blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the vents. If it fails or becomes damaged, you may notice reduced or no airflow. Replacing the blower motor is often the only solution if it has burnt out.
- Clogged cabin air filter- The cabin air filter helps clean the air that enters the car’s interior. Over time, it can become clogged with dust, leaves, and debris, restricting airflow. Replacing the air filter is a simple and inexpensive fix that can dramatically improve heater performance.
Unpleasant odours
A foul smell coming from the car heater can make driving uncomfortable. There are a few reasons why this may occur:
- Mould and mildew in the system- Damp conditions, which are common at all times of the year in the UK, can lead to moisture accumulating in the air ducts and ventilation system. This moisture can foster the growth of mould and mildew, which produces an unpleasant odour when the heater is turned on. Regular cleaning of the air ducts and replacing the cabin air filter can help prevent this problem.
- Coolant leak- A sweet, musty smell could indicate a coolant leak from the heater core. In such cases, the coolant may drip into the cabin, leading to a persistent odour. A professional inspection and replacement of the heater core or repair of the coolant system may be necessary.
Here at MRS Heat Transfer we are radiator, car heater, intercooler, and air conditioning experts, and we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to resolve any air conditioning or car heater problem. Why not get in touch today to find out more?