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Is it normal for a car heater to stop working?

Author of the blog (work in a car repair shop)
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Is it normal for a car heater to stop working?

Causes of a breakdown A heater can stop working for a number of reasons, including: A low antifreeze/water level in the radiator due to a leak in the cooling system. A bad thermostat that isn't allowing the engine to properly warm up. A blower fan that isn't working properly.When the coolant level is getting low, the core stops working, or there is air in the system, your car heater may not run. The coolant can be an issue too. If the coolant has rust particles or other contaminants, it prevents the heating core from spreading heated air into the cabin.

Why is my car heater not working?

A leaky radiator could prevent coolant from reaching your heater core and could damage your engine, at worst. Simply put, your car’s buttons, knobs, or haptic feedback touchscreens may not be triggering the heating system. Shorts, broken dials, and bad touchscreens can all lead to malfunctions that prevent your heater from working.

Is it dangerous to have a non-functional car heater?

Having an absolutely non-functional heater can be a potential safety hazard So, below you can have a glimpse at some of the top reasons why your car heater not working and what can be done to fix it. Why isn’t your car’s heater working?

Can I Fix my car heater myself?

If the problem as to why your car heater is not working is simple - and you can diagnose it - then it's possible to fix it yourself. But some issues are more complex, meaning a visit to your local garage is necessary.

Why is my car’s heater blowing cold air?

The second-most common issue is low antifreeze or coolant. When your coolant/antifreeze levels drop, the hot fluid can’t make it to the heater core, and thus, your cabin remains chilly. This can occur if the engine is working too hard and overheats or if it wasn’t properly filled. A close up of your HVAC controls.

Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇

How do you unclog a clogged heater core?

Can a clogged heater core cause a car to overheat?

Tired of looking for a video for your question?

Video Answer below 👇

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FAQ for the last Day

  • Can a car run without heater core?
  • You can still drive on with the condition; however, you should not, for a long time. The heater core uses the engine's coolant, and a faulty heater core affects the cooling effect which then raises the temperature. Not curing the issue and continue to drive the vehicle this way can lead to further engine damage.Is it OK to bypass heater core? Bypassing the heater core is an option if you don't fee...


  • Can you fix a leaking heater core?
  • Fixing a leaking heater core will always be much easier than replacing one. Since it is only a small leak in the heater core, we recommend simply sealing that leak and leaving your heater core in place. You can do this by simply by adding BlueDevil Pour-N-Go to your vehicle's radiator when your vehicle is cold.What happens if your heater core is leaking? If your heater core is leaking coolant, tha...


  • Why do I smell antifreeze but no leak?
  • If there is no puddle but you smell the sweet aroma of antifreeze, kneel down and scan the vehicle's underside and see if you can see anything that's wet or covered in droplets. Note: air conditioning systems often form condensation that can leak on to the ground, but what's dripping from them is pure, clear water.Why does my car smell like antifreeze but no leaks? The heater core of your vehicle...


  • How do you test a heater core?
  • Start your engine, allow it to warm up for a minute and turn the heater lever to full blast. If the system is ok, you should feel a blast of cool air. Now, turn the heater lever to full heat. If you feel warm or hot air flowing into the cabin, your heater core has no leaks. How Do You Test A Heater Core? If the hose is cold or warm, change the thermostat with a new one. Check if the hose has enou...


  • Why am I losing antifreeze no leak?
  • Disappearing engine coolant could be the result of a slightly cracked hose, a tiny hole in your radiator, or a water pump issue. It's also possible for a coolant leak to develop inside your vehicle or to simply vaporize into mist via your defroster.Where is my antifreeze going if it's not leaking? If you've ruled out an internal leak, that means your engine is burning the coolant somewhere else. T...


  • What causes a heater core to leak?
  • Coolant/antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that coat the surfaces inside the cooling system, including the heater core. When the corrosion inhibitors are depleted, the cooling system can become corroded, filled with contaminants and may even start to leak.What happens if your heater core is leaking? If your heater core is leaking coolant, that means the coolant level is low. As such, the eng...


  • What is a heater core?
  • The total cost of parts and labor will range between $800 and $1,000 to have your heater core fixed by a professional. Labor costs vary, so call ahead and get a quote from multiple repair shops. If you fix the heater yourself, you'll only have to pay for the cost of a new heater core which runs between $100 and $300.A heater core is a small radiator located under the dashboard of the vehicle, and...


  • Do you need to replace the heater core on a car?
  • Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Even a clogged heater core can prevent proper coolant circulation, causing your engine to run hot. But if you must continue driving for a short distance, keep an eye on the temperature gauge.What happens if you dont replace your heater core? Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as...


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