A vehicle’s heating system failing to heat up can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience for any driver, especially during cold weather.
When heat is not distributed properly inside a vehicle, it is essential to understand why and how to solve the problem.
Keep reading to discover the common symptoms of a faulty heating system, the possible causes and the steps you should take when your car’s heating does not heat up as it should.
Before exploring what a heating system is, let’s have a look at a fun fact. Did you know the Portuguese language borrowed the French term for the system? But how is the word spelt?
What is a Heating System?
In the automotive sector, many vehicles have a heating system or heater.
The system’s purpose is to heat a vehicle’s interior, providing occupants with thermal comfort, especially in cold climates.
How does a Car Heating System Work?
Vehicle heating systems operate as follows:
Heat source
Car heating systems use the vehicle engine’s thermal energy to heat the air.
The engine generates heat as a byproduct of its operation, and the heating system captures some of that heat.
Heater Core
The heart of a heating system is the heater core, which is like a small radiator.
Engine coolant is circulated through this core, transferring heat to the air flowing through it.
Fan
A fan inside the heating system forces air through the heater core, where it is heated.
The fan speed can be adjusted to control the warm air directed into the vehicle.
Heating System Air Distribution
This system allows heated air to be directed into various areas of a vehicle’s interior, such as the dashboard, feet, and windscreen vents, among others.
This allows you to tailor the flow of warm air to occupant preferences.
What Types of Heating Systems are there?
Before exploring the most common problems and malfunctions in car heating systems, it is essential to note that not all car heating systems are the same.
Mechanical Heating System
This system comprises a small radiator connected to the engine cooling system via hoses.
A fan in the system directs the heat flow into the passenger compartment.
Automatic Heating System
Very common in air conditioners, a temperature selector and a thermostat are added to the mechanical system, measuring a car’s temperature and regulating the power of the heat dispersed into the vehicle’s passenger compartment.
Electric Heating System
This type of system absorbs heat from the vehicle’s electrical resistors, which are powered by the car battery.
These work as backups of traditional systems (when the car is cold when it first moves off, for example) or when heat from the thermal engine is not immediately available.
Heating System in Hybrid and Electric Cars
In hybrid vehicles (in electric mode) and 100% electric vehicles, residual heat from the engine cannot be harnessed.
However, it is possible to harness heat from electric heaters that use the Joule effect to produce heat.
In some models, heat pumps can take advantage of heat produced by electrical components and lithium-ion batteries.
What are the Symptoms of a Faulty Heating System?
The main signs of problems in the heating system are:
- Strange noises;
- Electrical problems;
- Fogy windscreen;
- Leaking coolant;
- Car heater produces cold air;
- Odd smells coming from the heater.
Your Car Heating System Doesn’t Work: Now What?
If your car heating system doesn’t work, try checking the following:
- Fuses;
- Thermostat;
- Heater core;
- Heating fan;
- Coolant level.
If anything needs to be fixed, seek out a professional mechanic.
Your Car Heating System Doesn’t Heat Up. What Should You Do?
If your heating system fails to heat up:
- Clean the radiator;
- Check coolant levels and add coolant if necessary;
- Make sure the heater fan is working.
Your Car Heater Only Works at Full Blast: What to do?
If your car heating system only works when at full blast, check that the buttons are not stuck.
If all the buttons are working correctly, check the fuses and, if necessary, see a mechanic to check for electrical problems or faults in your heating system components.
What are the symptoms of a Clogged Heating System Radiator?
Clogged heating system radiators produce symptoms such as:
- The system does not produce hot air;
- Bad or unpleasant odours;
- Increased fuel consumption.
How can you Unclog your Heating System Radiator?
To unclog your heating system radiator:
- Make sure the engine is cold;
- Access the radiator;
- Drain the cooling system;
- Disconnect the hoses from the radiator;
- Clean the radiator;
- Reconnect the hoses and refill with coolant;
- Check that the heating system is operational;
- Replace damaged parts if necessary.
How can you Clean your Heating System Radiator?
To clean your heating system radiator:
- Turn off the heating system and make sure the engine is cool.
- Locate the radiator;
- Use compressed air to blow debris out of the radiator;
- Reconnect the hoses, fill the system with coolant and check that your heating system is operational.
If debris does not come out easily, you may need to disassemble the radiator for a deeper clean.
Top Tips for Car Heating System Maintenance
To avoid problems due to improper use of your car heating system, you should:
- Keep the system clean;
- Replace air filters;
- Check coolant levels;
- Test the thermostat.
When Should you See a Mechanic about your Car Heating System?
As soon as you notice a fault in your car’s heating system, you should take it to a mechanic so that they can carry out the repairs or replacements necessary.
Prevent system malfunctions and extend the part’s service life by performing preventive maintenance regularly.
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