Heater only works when driving- Causes and How to fix?
My car heater only works when driving!
As the winter season approaches, a functioning heater in your vehicle is essential for your comfort and safety. However, discovering that your car’s heat only works when driving can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
Several factors, including low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty heater core, can cause this issue. While it may seem daunting to tackle this problem, understanding its causes and how to fix it can save you time and money in the long run.
In this article, we will find all the possible causes of why your heat only works when driving and provide practical solutions to fix the issue. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!
How does heating in a car work?
The heating system in a car works by using heat from the engine to warm up the cabin. The heating system is connected to the engine cooling system, and a heat exchanger called a heater core is built inside the vehicle’s HVAC system.
The air brought in through ducts passes by this heater core, allowing for efficient energy transfer between two fluids; it also keeps your passengers comfortable even on those cold days!
The blower motor pulls air through this device, an evaporator core, which removes moisture from its contents before sending it back into your cabin through vents near each side window (on both sides).
This action allows coolant levels within these components to rise above freezing point so they can form ice cubes, when necessary, when temperatures dip below freezing point outside during winter.
Why does my car heat only work when I’m driving?
Your car’s heating and engine’s cooling systems work together to regulate your vehicle’s temperature. The heating system uses the hot coolant from the engine to warm the air that blows into the cabin.
If you’re experiencing inconsistent heat in the cabin, the culprit could be coolant-related issues. Coolant levels are likely low if your car’s heat only works when driving.
Coolant transfers heat from the engine to either side of its core (heater core), which transfers that energy through pipes into every part of your vehicle—including under-seat heaters!
So, when there isn’t enough coolant flowing through these pipes or blocks/leaks in them somewhere along their length, then this will cause problems with how much heat gets transferred outwards from within each piece of metalwork inside our cars.
1. Thermostat Issues
Your car’s thermostat is crucial in regulating the engine’s temperature. If stuck open, the engine may run more relaxed than usual, resulting in insufficient heat to warm the cabin. As a result, the only time you may feel warmth is when the car is in motion, and the engine generates more heat to compensate for the lack of warmth being generated by the engine.
2. Heater Core Blockage:
The heater core can become blocked or clogged over time, preventing hot coolant from circulating. This can result in little, or no heat being generated in the cabin, regardless of whether the car is moving.
For your vehicle’s heater core to work correctly, it must be able to always draw air into its intake area; this is necessary because some gases (such as water vapor) are less dense than others (like CO2).
Without these gases being drawn into its intake area and mixed with compressed air from outside sources like your engine compartment vents, there would be no way for them to escape back out again—and thus, there wouldn’t be any circulation happening at all!
3. Water Pump Malfunction:
Lack of heat in the cabin might also be caused by a failing water pump. The water pump oversees moving coolant through the engine, and if it breaks down, less coolant may flow through the engine.
As a result, the engine may not produce enough heat, which could cause you to experience just mild warmth while driving.
4. Electrical Problems:
I must put the electrical components issues too in the causes of heat works only when driving, including the blower motor and fan, are crucial to your car’s heating system. If these components malfunction, they can prevent warm air from reaching the cabin, resulting in a lack of heat.
If you’re experiencing issues with either one or both areas—and if you have no idea how this might affect your ability to drive comfortably—you may want to have them checked out by an auto mechanic immediately before attempting to drive more in cold weather conditions.
How to fix heat only works when driving?
If you’ve noticed that your car’s heat only works when driving, several possible causes exist. In this article, we’ll explore some common issues causing this problem and how to fix them.
1. Thermostat issues:
You should be aware that the thermostat controls the flow of coolant and the temperature of the engine if you think it may be broken in your car. Your engine may overheat if the thermostat isn’t operating properly; this would also influence the heating system. To stop additional harm to my car, you must thus have your thermostat checked and replaced as necessary.
If your thermostat is stuck closed, insufficient coolant will flow through the engine to heat the heater core. If stuck open, the engine will not reach the required temperature to heat the cabin efficiently. Replacing the thermostat is usually the best solution to this problem.
2. Heater core blockage:
The air pumped into the cabin is heated by a tiny radiator-like component called the heater core. Heat transfer may be hindered over time by the heater core becoming clogged with corrosion, dirt, or other pollutants.
This can lead to reduced heat output or the heat only working when driving. Flushing the heater core with a cleaning solution, or replacing it, if necessary, can help to restore proper function.
3. Water Pump Malfunction:
Engine coolant must be circulated throughout the engine and heating system via the water pump. Poor heat production could result from improper coolant circulation if the water pump is malfunctioning.
If the water pump in your car is broken or not operating, it needs to be replaced.
Electrical Problems:
Electrical problems with your car’s heating system, such as blown fuses, broken relays, or frayed wire, may make the heat only function when you’re driving.
A qualified mechanic is frequently needed to evaluate the electrical components and replace any defective ones throughout the troubleshooting process.
I’m sure you’ve experienced the problem of the heat only turning on when you’re driving. This problem can be brought on by several things, such as low coolant levels, a broken thermostat, or a damaged heater core.
Understanding these reasons will enable car owners to take the appropriate action to resolve the problem and guarantee the effectiveness of their heating system.
The heating system of the car might also benefit from routine maintenance and inspection to avoid future issues.
After troubleshooting, if the issue still exists, it is imperative to get professional assistance because it can point to a more serious underlying problem.
The heating system of a car can be made to function properly and provide maximum comfort during the chilly winter months by according to these instructions.
FAQs:
A: Most cars have a fuse responsible for controlling the heater system. The fuse is typically located in the box under the dashboard or the engine compartment. If the heater is not working, checking the fuse first before seeking further assistance is advisable.
