Signs of a Broken Car Heater: Staying Safe This Winter

Winters in Colorado can get bitterly cold, and if there’s one thing you need, it’s a working car heater. Driving without heat simply isn’t an option when temperatures drop—it’s dangerous for you and your car.

But believe it or not, spotting a broken heater might not be as easy as you think. Knowing the signs of a broken car heater will help you act quickly and get the necessary repairs, so you stay safe and comfortable on the road this winter. Here are a few signs of a broken car heater to look out for.

There are many reasons why your car heater might break. Sometimes, it doesn’t fully break but just functions much less effectively than it should. Regardless, acting quickly can spell the difference between a serious, expensive repair and a quick fix.

Luckily, some signs of a broken car heater are easy to spot. You turn on the heat and are hit with a blast of cold air—or nothing at all. While this is a pain, it also means that you know there’s a problem right away.

Often, however, it’s not that simple. You might turn your heater on and then slowly realize that it’s not blowing as hard as it should. Worse, it might only be putting out lukewarm air. These issues are a bit harder to spot but point to a problem with your heating system—which could range from a clogged air filter to a bad heater core.

You always want to pay attention to unusual smells in your car. Signs of a broken car heater can include odors, usually appearing when you try to turn the climate control on.

How it smells will depend on the issue at hand. A sweet, almost fruity smell points to a problem with the coolant. Your heater is a part of the overall climate control in your car, and it includes a coolant. If this springs a leak, you may notice the telltale odor.

Meanwhile, if you notice a burning or smoky smell when you turn the heat on, it might mean that the heater core is overheating.

Coolant might leak inside your vehicle, leading to a characteristic odor. However, signs of a broken car heater can also include visible coolant leaks on your dashboard. It could also show up under the dashboard, resulting in stains on the front flooring of your vehicle.

Window condensation is expected to some degree during the winter. But if it happens fast—particularly right after you turn on your heat—it could point to a dangerous coolant leak.

If coolant is leaking in your car, it can be forced out and sprayed across your windows. Not only does this reduce visibility, but it can also produce dangerous fumes that aren’t safe to breathe. If your windows are fogging up with a thick substance that is hard to wipe off, you need a mechanic immediately.

As for breathing in those fumes? Not a good idea. Make sure you drive with your windows down until you reach your mechanic.

Your car heater is essential for staying comfortable during the colder temperatures. But a broken one can also spell danger for you and your passengers.

If you notice these signs of a broken car heater, get in touch with a mechanic right away. Contact Phil’s Pro Auto Service today at 970-557-1968.

At Phil’s Pro Auto Service, we recognize the significance of maintaining your vehicle’s performance in winter and cold weather. Our company provides thorough car heating repair services in Greeley, CO, supported by a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty to ensure your vehicle remains warm and dependable even in the coldest weather.

The post Signs of a Broken Car Heater: Staying Safe This Winter appeared first on Phil's Pro Auto Service.