When it’s cold outside, the last thing you want is to have a cold car inside! That’s what can happen if your heater decides it will not cooperate with you this winter. While there are many reasons why your vehicle’s heater may malfunction, many of them are most likely tied to the cooling system of your vehicle.

Let’s explore how you actually get heat through the vents of your interior cabin through a simple explanation of the process:

1. When your engine is running, it produces heat.
2. Your vehicle’s cooling system is designed to regulate heat so the engine does not overheat.
3. As well, your engine and the cooling system re-purposes the engine’s heat for other uses – including your interior heating.
4. When you turn on your interior vent fan for heat, the warm air that circulates is actually a “by-product” of your engine’s heat distributed through a series of hoses, coils, and fans.

That’s great when it’s functioning, but sometimes problems may arise in the cooling system.  Let’s consider what might go wrong with the heating and cooling process.

What problem are you experiencing?	What you can do?
Your radiator coolant is low…	The radiator is an integral part of your vehicle’s cooling system and requires chemical coolants to maintain a normal temperature. If that fluid is low, then your radiator will not operate properly, and the downstream effect is your heater will not function. Check your radiator fluid by removing the radiator cap when the engine is cool, and fill the radiator fluids according to your vehicle specifications. If it continues to be low after filling it, have it checked in our auto repair shop in Wallington, NJ.
You have a faulty thermostat...	The thermostat in your cooling system is designed to monitor the temperature of your engine. Proper temperature results in proper cooling of the engine. If there is a problem with the thermostat, for example, it is “sticky,” your cooling system will not function properly. Have your thermostat checked by a professional to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Your heater core is not working…	The heater core is a component of your cooling system that enables warm fluids to circulate and act as an exchange of those fluids to the warm air that is blown into your vehicle. If the heater core valve (ie. control valve) is not working, it may prevent the fluids from circulating normally.
Your heater core is clogged…	The heater core is a central mechanism for the exchange of warm air to your car’s interior. If the hoses are clogged for any reason, the fluids will not circulate through them to produce warm air, and your heater will not work. Your heater core may need to be repaired to clear any blockage and allow for the free-flow of fluids.
Your blower motor is not working…	The blower motor is what controls the flow of warm air into your vehicle’s interior. If nothing happens when you turn on the fan, that may mean the motor is defective and may need repair or replacement.
Your heater hoses are not permitting flow of fluids…	The heater hose in the heater core is a winding hose that passes over a fan to send warm air into your car’s interior. The hose may become tangled or kinked and needs to be repaired or replaced.

It’s never a good thing when your vehicle’s systems are not functioning properly.  If you experience any issues with your car’s heater, get your cooling system evaluated by the professionals at Car Kings located in Wallington, New Jersey.  Contact us today for a full inspection of any heating or cooling issues, and we will make the necessary repairs or replacements to remedy your situation.