Is your heater not keeping you warm?
 

[h=1]IS YOUR HEATER NOT KEEPING YOU WARM?[/h] http://images.oreillyauto.com/upload...r-image-v1.jpg The last thing you want on a cold winter morning is a car heater that doesn't work like it should.
The heating system in your car is actually an extension of your car's cooling system. While a healthy heating/cooling system is important for providing warmth, it also helps regulate the temperature of the engine. A few key maintenance checks can help ensure a comfortable ride for you and also prevent overheating - a common cause of breakdowns.

[h=1]Check the Coolant Level[/h] Start by making sure your coolant level is not too low. Your radiator has to have the proper level of coolant for the heating system to work. A system low on coolant can cause incorrect temperature gauge readings, poor engine performance and possible overheating. Air pockets can also develop in the heater core and hoses, blocking the flow of coolant and preventing proper heater function.
Filling the cooling system and bleeding out heater hose air pockets may require opening up bleeder valves on the thermostat housing or hose connections. If your vehicle doesn't have these valves, you may have to loosen the heater outlet hose as you add coolant to the radiator. In either case, leave the valve or hose open until the fluid starts to dribble out. At that point, the air pockets should be eliminated. Tighten everything up and you'll be good to go.

[h=1]If Your System Is Low, Find Out Why[/h] If you suspect a coolant leak, monitor the coolant level daily. Leaks come in all shapes and sizes and should never be taken lightly. You don't have to see antifreeze pooling under your car for it to have a significant leak. Many times the coolant is hitting a hot engine and evaporating away. A leaking radiator or heater hose can be identified by the presence of steam and a sweet smell near the hose. Those are the easy ones to diagnose and fix. Problems more serious in nature can include leaking intake gaskets, a cracked intake, a leaking heater core and a cracked or broken radiator (to name a few). Get to the heart of the problem as soon as possible and consult a professional if the job is too big for you.

[h=1]Make Sure the Coolant is Fully Circulating[/h] You want the coolant to circulate, but not too soon. Start your car and feel the upper radiator hose while the engine is cold. If you can feel coolant flowing through the hose, your thermostat may be stuck open. Coolant flowing through a cold engine will never get warm enough to heat your car. If the thermostat is working properly, coolant should start flowing after the system reaches normal operating temperature. To make sure the coolant is fully circulating, get your engine up to normal operating temperature and turn your heater on. Check both the inlet and outlet heater hoses (the small hoses going into your firewall). They should both be hot to the touch. If they're not, you may have identified the source of your problem.
Poor coolant circulation can also be caused by a pinched heater hose, a weak water pump or a cooling or clutch fan that's over-cooling your engine. All of these will lead to poor heating and cooling performance as well.

[h=1]Cooling System Maintenance[/h] A clean cooling system is a healthy cooling system. Flush and fill the system as part of your regular maintenance schedule. If your system is full of crud, a clogged heater core will cause a 'no heat' situation. The only solution is a new core. And a lot of labor to install it.