Many car issues can easily infuriate vehicle owners. For example, a typical situation can include the car heater suddenly blowing out cold air instead of heat during winter. Such a situation can make it hard for you to drive to the office and back during the chilling winters.
However, at the same time, there are different reasons why your car heater gets cold when idling. Among these can be a leaky coolant or the direction of the air from the blower, among others. Let us find out which one is the culprit.
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Why Does My Heater Get Cold When Idling?
You should know that different reasons can lead to a situation like this when the car heater does not blow hot air, but only cold air. As stated above, you are either dealing with a leaky coolant issue, air direction, or some other problem.
We recommend you browse online to learn the best maintenance tips for your car’s heating system. Given below are the three reasons why your car heater system suddenly starts blowing cold air even in winter.
Insufficient coolant
The car coolant comprises 50% antifreeze and 50% water. It helps keep the car engine cool, especially during the peak months of summer. When you start the car heater during winter, the coolant travels through the engine to the heater core and provides warm air.
You might feel cool air during the initial start of the heater, as the engine needs to warm up for the coolant to provide heat to the interior of your car.
However, in case the air blowing out continues to be cool, check the coolant level. It is the first reason why your car heater gets cold when idling, as the car would not send less coolant to the heater core to create warm air.
Broken/clogged car heater controls
At times, the control buttons for the car heater might stop working. If the coolant level in your car is ok, and there is no issue with the heater core, you need to replace the buttons.
The heater control valve is located under the car hood and controls the heat inside the car. If the piece does not work right, then it is a reason why your car might blow out cool air inside and not warm.
Water leak
The last thing leading to this issue with the car heater is a water leak. Make sure to check the hoses, radiator, and water pump for any damage. In case any of these parts malfunctions, then the car heater would not function to its full capacity.
We recommend that you connect with a reputable car expert to know about resolving this issue at the earliest.
Defective thermostat
The car thermostat is a small part of the engine’s cooling system. However, this detail plays an important role in the process of regulating the engine’s temperature as well as supporting the engine to operate stably and effectively. During traffic, if the thermostat fails and the driver does not detect it in time, it will pose many dangers to the driver.
A thermostat is responsible for adjusting the coolant flow to the engine, regulating the temperature, and controlling the engine’s heat load. When the car first starts, the thermostat valve closes to prevent water from flowing out.
When the engine has reached the appropriate temperature, the thermostat valve will open, allowing water to flow out and circulate into the radiator, preventing the car engine not to overheating during operation.
The consequences of a faulty thermostat are that the temperature in the car drops very low, then suddenly increases to very high, which is an easy sign of a faulty car thermostat. If the temperature in the car changes suddenly without the system giving any warning, it means that the car’s thermostat has an error.
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Solutions and Repairs
Here are some solutions and repair options for a car heater that gets cold when idling, expanding on the causes mentioned earlier:
Coolant flush and replacement
Flush the old coolant from the system and replace it with fresh coolant according to your vehicle’s specifications. This helps restore proper coolant flow and heat transfer.
Thermostat replacement
A faulty thermostat can get stuck closed, preventing coolant from reaching the heater core, or stuck open, causing the engine to run too cool. Replace the thermostat with a new one that matches your vehicle’s make and model. This ensures proper coolant circulation and temperature regulation.
Heater core cleaning or Replacement
A clogged heater core restricts coolant flow, preventing heat from reaching the cabin. A mechanic can flush the heater core with a specialized cleaner to remove debris. If the core is severely clogged or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Blower motor repair or replacement
A malfunctioning blower motor won’t circulate warm air into the cabin. A mechanic can diagnose the issue and potentially repair the blower motor. If the blower motor is beyond repair, it will need to be replaced.
Summary
Hence, we hope that this blog provides you with the necessary information about why your car heater gets cold when idling in detail. From a bad thermostat to a lack of coolant or water leak, knowing the exact reason can help you fix the problem timely. You can also browse online to learn the best way to resolve this issue. Besides, consulting a car expert can help keep the car heater running during winter without any hassle.
