Get Your Car’s Heating System Ready

A thick jacket and warm sweater help keep you warm as the temperature drops, but not your car. Having your heating system checked can make those chilly winter drives so much more comfortable. Here’s what to expect during a heating system inspection.

What’s Inside Your Car’s Heating System?

Your vehicle’s heating and cooling systems are tightly integrated, part of your vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC). They share many components, but each one still needs specific components to function.

• Coolant: your a/c and heater use this mixture of antifreeze and water that moves heat around as needed.
• Heater core: coolant transfers heat it has carried from the engine to this part for further transport into the passenger cabin.
• Heater hoses: the connection between the engine and heater core that coolant travels through.
• Coolant shut-off valve: some vehicles use this to shut off the coolant from the heater core when heat is not needed.
• Auxiliary coolant pump: also not installed in all vehicles, this increases the flow of coolant to provide enough heat.
• Blend door: this component helps control how much hot and cold air is mixed together before it reaches the cabin.
• Fan: this blows the air into the cabin to make you comfortable.

Coolant: The Fluid With an Odd Name

Coolant, despite its name, is essential for both heating and cooling various car components, including the passenger cabin. Too little coolant hampers flow, resulting in minimal to no heat.

Your technician will check the colour and level of coolant in your vehicle and top it up if necessary.

However, should the technician feel your coolant level is abnormally low, they may suggest a more thorough inspection to look for leaks or faulty components.

For example, they may perform a cooling system pressure check to ensure that coolant is being circulated through the system at the appropriate pressure and to look for leaks in the system. Or they may recommend a coolant flush if your vehicle’s coolant is dirty.

Heater Core Assessment

The heater core transfers heat to your cabin.

Modern vehicles move coolant through coils constructed from aluminum, copper, or aluminum and plastic. These coils form the heater core, located underneath the dashboard.

If the heater core is clogged, less heat will enter the cabin area. Also, some engines require a coolant shut-off valve, which your technician may propose inspecting. This valve helps control the flow of the coolant.

Lack of warm air in the passenger cabin is a symptom of issues with the heater core. Ask your technician about it so they can perform the proper inspections at the beginning.

Getting Clean Air in the Cabin: Fan and Cabin Filter

The fan and air cabin filter are located behind and below the glove compartment in most vehicles. These components ensure you and your passengers breathe in clean air.

From spring to early fall, your cabin air filter can collect dust, pollens, and other debris that make it through your vehicle’s ventilation system. Your technician can switch out the filter in a matter of minutes.

When inspecting the fan, the technician will look for dirt, broken components, and other problems and fix them as needed. A functioning heater core and fan will keep you comfortable all winter long. A new filter will keep that air clean.

Detecting a Coolant Leak on Your Own

This is where you come into play. If at any time you smell something sweet in your vehicle that’s not coming from old candies stuck between the seats, or any odd odour blowing out of your vents, take your vehicle in immediately.

Your nose may be detecting coolant vapours, which are dangerous to inhale. Do not push this off to when you “have time.”

Another noticeable sign for a coolant leak is floor mats that are damp longer than they should be.

Your automotive technician will complete several tests to ensure your cooling system is safe to use. Again, do not put off a repair.

Ready, Set, Go!

Heading to the slopes for a weekend of skiing? Driving the family to various appointments and activities? Planning a road trip into the snowy mountains? A functioning heating system will keep you comfortable, no matter your destination. Contact your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre to book your inspection.