Every winter, when the temperature drops below zero in Chicago, my car’s heater is a wonderful item that I could never live without. But last winter, my car’s heater broke and I was left freezing without any way of keeping warm. And, after a costly repair that was well worth the money, I began wondering how do car heaters work exactly and what makes them break?
Well, it is no surprise that car heaters are pretty complicated. Through a combination of your engine, your heater core and your car’s cooling system, your heater is a complicated mechanism in your car that plays a critical role in keeping you warm and safe when you’re on the road. But if you’re anything like me, you probably don’t know much about the mechanics of how your car is actually helping you stay warm.
So I’ve done my research and I present to you five easy-to-understand facts about how your car heater works.
1. Fact 1: The heater core is the heart of your car’s heater
The heater core is a radiator-like device used in the heating cabin of your car. Working in conjunction with the engine’s cooling system; the heater core turns air from your car’s engine into heat.
2. Fact 2: Antifreeze is always circulated throughout your car
Your engine’s cooling system removes heat from the engine by sending heated antifreeze to the radiator which is located in the front of the car. Once the antifreeze is cooled, it is sent back to the engine. Some of the hot air released by the antifreeze is sent through the heater core to heat the car.
3. Fact 3: The magic of heat
Once the driver turns on the heat, a fan blows air across the hot heater core and directs the heat into the interior of your car—keeping you warm and safe from the wintery weather outside.
4. Fact 4: There are many signs to look for when your heater stops working
If your heater stops working, experts recommend that you investigate the passenger-side floorboard for signs of antifreeze leakage. This is a sign that your heater core is leaking and may need to be replaced. A leaking heater core may also cause a greasy film on the inside of your window.
5. Fact 5: Rust is the leading cause of leaking heaters
According to experts, the main reason for a leaking heater core is rust. When your antifreeze is not cleaned and replaced regularly, rust can build up and cause antifreeze to build up. Rust can also damage your radiator and other internal engine parts.
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