Heating System Service – Don’t get caught in the cold

When the temperature dips, your vehicle’s heater is your best friend, so it’s important to make sure the system is operating properly.

Automotive heaters consist of several main components – the vents, the blower fan and the heater core. If any of these fail, you could be left cold and miserable on your commute.

The cooling system circulates coolant around the engine to draw off excess heat so the engine doesn’t turn into a lump of molten metal. The hot coolant passes through two heat exchangers to transfer the heat to the air flowing around the vehicle. One of these is the radiator, which handles most of the work of cooling the engine. Before the hot coolant gets to the radiator, it passes through a smaller heat exchanger behind the passenger side of the dashboard.

The most important part of heating system maintenance is making sure the cooling system is flushed regularly and the hoses are in good condition. If this step is ignored, the heater core and radiator can corrode or the passages can get clogged, preventing proper circulation.

The first step in testing the heater is to make sure the engine is thoroughly warmed up and the temperature control is turned up. With the engine warm, you should feel warm air coming out of at least some of the vents. If not, the cooling system should be checked for leaks, blockages and low coolant level. Be sure to check your thermostat for proper operation. If coolant is dripping into the passenger footwell, the hoses and heater core should be tested for leaks.

If heated air is available, the fan should be checked to make sure it works at all speeds levels. Direct the airflow to the dashboard vents and turn the fan up to ensure each speed level works. If the fan doesn’t work, it could be a burned out motor or a blown fuse. If the fuse has blown, the fan and motor should be checked anyway to make sure there are no obstructions causing an overload. If the fuse is fine, the motor and wiring should be checked.

Even if the wiring is intact and delivering power to the fan motor, it may not blow air if a bearing has failed or something is blocking the fan, such as a small animal looking for a warm place to sleep. If the fan is working but air still isn’t blowing, it’s time to check the ducts. If air blows from the dash vents when the airflow is set to circulate but not when directed to take in fresh air, check the intake at the base of the windshield. Leaves and other debris often collect there behind the rear edge of the hood.

If the air doesn’t move even in recirculation mode, the flaps inside the ductwork that direct airflow may not be functioning. On most vehicles, the doors that manage the mix of warm and fresh air or send the air to your feet, windshield or dash are vacuum operated. If the air can’t be re-directed, it’s time to check the vacuum hoses from the engine and the heater control valve. Some newer vehicles are now using small electric servo motors to move these flaps, so if the direction and blending don’t work, it’s time to check the fuses again. If the fuses are intact, a technician will need to check the wiring and the motors.

In general, heating system diagnosis and maintenance is not that complicated. If the cooling system is properly maintained to preserve the engine, the heater will usually work most of the time. Test the fan, temperature and directional controls on a regular basis and if necessary, get the system repaired promptly before you really need it. Stop by today and let us take care of your heating system to ensure it works when you need it most.

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Some helpful tips for smooth winter driving

Whether you live in the high elevations of Colorado, the rainy states of the Northwest, blizzard-prone New England, or anywhere else for that matter, there are some basic measures all drivers should take to make sure they get to their destinations safely.

Whether the average temperature in your region of the country drops below freezing or not, winter months usually bring more precipitation combined with fewer daylight hours, so it’s important to both see and be seen on the road. To be sure you have the best possible visibility in any weather, pay some attention to your windshield wipers.

The rubber blades that are meant to sweep away rain, slush and snow inevitably wear out and need to be replaced, and now is as good a time as any to do it. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to install some winter blades if you drive in colder climates. On winter blades, the support structure is typically wrapped in rubber to help keep them from getting clogged with ice or snow, and the blades are formulated to stay pliable when the temperature drops. If you drive a vehicle with a rear window wiper, make sure to replace that blade, as well, so you can see
behind you.

Now is also the time to make sure the defoggers work properly. The front and side glass is typically cleared by blowing warm air heated by the engine across the glass. Check to make sure the switches that redirect air between the floor, dash and defogger vents are working properly and that heated air comes out after the engine is warm.

Most of the extra systems that help make winter driving easier, including defoggers and heaters, are electrically powered and have fuses that can occasionally blow. It’s always a good idea to pick up a package of spare fuses and keep them in the glove compartment just in case.

Whether driving at night or on grey winter days, your headlights and taillights help you see the road and the obstacles that may be in your way, and they also make you more visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Turn on all your lights and signals and walk around the car to check for burned out bulbs. Don’t forget to get a friend to step on the brake pedal so you can check those lights as well. Winter conditions mean stopping distances are longer so it’s even more important to make sure drivers behind you are aware that you are slowing to help avoid collisions.

If the road is covered by water, ice or snow, your tires are critical to the safe operation of your vehicle. If tire treads are getting shallow from wear, this is an excellent time for a new set of rubber. All-season tires will serve drivers in some parts of the country just fine, but those who live in regions where temperatures regularly dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit should seriously consider a set of dedicated winter tires for maximum traction.

For worst-case road conditions, consider getting a set of tire chains to keep in the trunk. If you do opt for a set of chains, make sure you read the instructions and practice installing the chains before it gets too cold. This is definitely something you don’t want to be practicing in the middle of a snow storm.

It’s a good idea to get the cooling system checked out before winter, to make sure it doesn’t have any leaks, that antifreeze flows properly through the heater core and that the thermostat is working properly. Many dealers offer specials on cooling system maintenance and or system flushes, if necessary.

Batteries lose power when it gets cold, making it harder to crank the engine during starting. Most auto parts stores, service centers and dealers will load test your battery free of charge, so you should take advantage of the opportunity and put in a fresh battery if needed to make sure you don’t get stranded.

The grime and dirt and slush that gets thrown up by other vehicles makes it harder to keep the windshield clean, so check the washer fluid reservoir regularly and keep it full. Always be sure to use windshield washer fluid rather than plain water because it has a lower freezing point.

With all the mechanical systems in proper working order, there are a few other items every driver should carry in his or her vehicle to be prepared. Always keep a snow brush and a good stiff ice scraper in the car, if you live where it gets cold, and make sure to clear the windows and lights before you drive off when it’s snowing. Carrying a set of jumper cables can be a time- and money-saver if your battery dies, and it can enable you to be a good samaritan if you encounter someone else whose car won’t start.

A flashlight and fresh batteries come in handy in case you get stuck in the dark, and an old blanket in the trunk or back seat can help keep you warm in case you get stuck and have to wait a while for a tow.

Virtually everyone today carries a mobile phone, but it doesn’t do much good if the battery is dead. Spend a few bucks and get a 12-volt car charger for your phone so you can always call for help if needed. If you don’t already have roadside assistance provided by the manufacturer of your vehicle, it’s a good time to sign up for a plan; many companies, including insurance companies and wireless providers, offer roadside assistance plans. If you get stuck and need a tow, it can save you a lot of money and hassle.

Better yet, swing by the dealership and let our trained staff help make sure your car is winter ready. Be prepared and be safe this winter!