There is always a right way and a wrong way to repair broken things. When it comes to the car AC or heater, the right way involves paying for Longmont air conditioning service or, additionally, heater service. The wrong way involves turning the diagnostic and repair into a DIY project to save money.

Car owners who have their vehicles serviced regularly do not have to worry about diagnosing heater problems, but many choose to neglect their heating system in order to save money, a case in which knowing the most important signs of trouble will help.

The Basics of Diagnosing a Broken Car Heater without Longmont Car Air Conditioning Service

The first sign that the heater and its core may need servicing is a radiator cap surrounded by corrosion. Unfortunately, all this observation says is that further investigations are necessary. The diagnostic procedure usually varies according to the car’s make and model. However, there are a few common signs of trouble any car owner should be able to spot.

When the car heater blows cold air, the problem could be a low refrigerant level, or an air infiltration in the heater core. If the coolant level is adequate, a non-contact infrared thermometer will show if the coolant heats up as it should.

If it doesn’t, the problem could lie with the thermostat. The same infrared thermometer can be used to check the heater core’s output and input hoses. If they remain cold, the heater core could be plugged, or a valve may not open.

The cause of the heater’s malfunction could also be the heater switch, the blower motor, the blend door, or the blower motor’s resistor. With so many potential problems, diagnosing and fixing a car heating system can turn into a nightmare.

Even when the driver or car owner identifies the source of the malfunction, there is no guarantee they will succeed in solving it. For example, some car models have the heater core buried in such a way that getting to it requires the removal of the dashboard.

The solution is obvious: taking the car for specialized service. However, sometimes the costs of the service are more than the car owner can afford at that moment. Putting up with the cold may seem doable, at least until money is no longer an issue.

In theory, it is possible to use the car even if the heater is broken, especially when the weather is not that cold and the car has warmed seats. In practice, if the heater core is leaking, several problems could appear.

The cabin could fill with a sweet-smelling fog that will adhere to the windshield and reduce visibility. The antifreeze could leak to the car floor, and the dropping coolant levels could allow the engine to overheat. In the end, only professional car service can eliminate all problems and concerns.

The sad part is that all this trouble can be easily avoided by coupling Longmont air conditioning service with heater service. Specialists recommend inspecting the car air conditioning system before the hot season begins and when it ends. When they stop using the air conditioning, drivers usually begin to use the heating system, so having the heater checked at the same time with the air conditioning is a great way to keep it functional and save money.