Cold mornings have arrived along the Wasatch Front, and drivers in Clearfield, Layton, and Syracuse are reaching for the heater and defroster again. These systems are easy to take for granted until the heat blows cold or the windshield stays fogged on the way to work. In this month’s blog post, we explain how your heater and defroster work, common problems to watch for, and why good wiper blades matter just as much as warm air.
How Your Heater and Defroster Work
Your vehicle does not have a separate furnace. It uses hot coolant from the engine, which flows through a small radiator behind the dashboard called the heater core. A fan blows air across it to warm the cabin. If the coolant is low or not flowing, you feel it right away. In many vehicles, the defroster runs the air conditioning compressor even in winter, because it pulls moisture out of the air and clears fog faster. Use fresh air instead of recirculated air, since recirculating traps moisture inside. A clogged cabin air filter can also weaken airflow, so replace it according to your owner’s manual.
Common Reasons the Heat Blows Cold
- Low coolant, which usually means there is a leak
- A thermostat stuck open, so the engine never fully warms up
- A clogged heater core from old or contaminated coolant
- A blend door problem, where a small door inside the dashboard sticks and sends only cold air
A sweet smell inside the cabin or a greasy film on the inside of the windshield can point to a leaking heater core and should be checked soon.
Do Not Forget the Wipers
Warm air clears the inside of the glass, but wiper blades handle the outside. Most blades last six months to a year, and summer heat can harden the rubber before winter even starts. Replace blades that streak, chatter, or skip. Keep washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures in the reservoir and never use the wipers to break ice off the windshield, since that tears the rubber edge.
A Safety Reminder
Never open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot. The system is under pressure, and hot coolant can cause serious burns.
This Month’s Specials
Fowers Tire and Auto Care has heater and wiper specials available this month. Visit our Specials page for the details before your visit.
A working heater, a clear windshield, and good wipers are safety items, not just comfort. If you want to have your heater, defroster, and wipers checked before the first snowfall, contact the service professionals at Fowers Tire and Auto Care to schedule your appointment.