Why my car heater blows cold air when I stop? It is because of insufficient coolant, clogged or broken car heater controls, and leaked water.
For sure, this situation can make it challenging to drive to the office back and forth during the chilling winter.
But then, there are other reasons why the heater gets cold when you idle, like the direction of the air in the blower. Still, we suggest you learn the best maintenance tips to lengthen the life of the car’s heating system so that the vehicle will get back to its good condition and you can drive it safely. So,
Reasons Why My Car Heater Blows Cold Air When You Stop
Below are just why a car heater blows cold air when you stop.
#1. Clogged or broken car heater controls
The car heater’s control buttons may stop working, so replacing the switches is essential if the coolant level is okay and no issue occurs in the heater core. The control valve in the heater is right under the car hood as it controls the heat in the car and does not work correctly; it is one reason why the vehicle blows out cool air inside, and it does not warm.
#2. Insufficient coolant
The car coolant consists of 50-percent water and 50-percent antifreeze, as it maintains the engine of the car cool, particularly during the summer months. When you maneuver the car heater in the winters, that’s the time the coolant goes to the engine and the heater core and provides warm air as the cool air feels when operating the heater, and the engine warms the coolant up and allows heat to the car interior. Nonetheless, check the coolant level if the air blows cold air continuously and the car blows cold air when you stop, as it does not send less coolant to the heater core and creates warm air.
#3. Water leaking
The water leak is why the car heater blows cold air when you stop; check the radiator, water pump, and hoses for further damage. If this malfunctions, the car heater may not work correctly to its total capacity; it is best to connect with a reliable car expert to know and resolve the problem early on.
#4. Failing or lousy water pump
This element circulates the coolant in the cooling system so that the moment the rotor does not create adequate flow, the device blows air so cold that the car heater stops. That’s also true; if the vehicle moves, it becomes slightly warmer, and in this case, a reliable pump has to be changed with a new one. You may also be interested to know about symptoms of a bad or failing water pump.
#5. A clogged or dirty heater radiator
The radiator in a heater clogs later, making it more difficult for the coolant to go through the bearings which results in a slightly warm or frigid air blowing. The best solution is to clean the radiator and check for some possible crack from a liquid that such a positive impact comes from cleaning the heater’s radiator, with the device’s efficiency at an idle speed.
#6. Issue with the climate control system
The car heater can also have software problems, resulting in the cold air blown by the system at a stop; the issues can often link with an improper system configuration, or software and hardware issues in climate control. Check its operation considering the system’s type, model, and car make that this step is emphasized in the car manual’s owner, so check it yourself or seek assistance from an auto workshop.
#7. Air in a cooling system
Air in a cooling system is brought about by depressurization of the connection point or individual pipes, malfunctioning of the air valve, damaged cylinder head gasket, issues in the pump operation, and improper replacement of the coolant. The air in the system slows down the coolant as it circulates; as a result, the device blows hot air when you drive, and that is why my car heater blows cold air when i stop.
#8. Blocking in the coolant supply
The car heater may have a tap that supplies coolant in the radiator, jammed or closed due to rust, as this heater type is available in older cars, so opening the faucet is the right solution. When you use more water instead of coolant, rust will form, which jams the tap.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn the answer to this question: why my car heater blows cold air when I stop? Check the coolant level’s condition first, fix the issue, and prevent the thermostat, water pump, heater’s tap, heater’s radiator, and the air present in the cooling system. A poorly-working heater indicates an issue in the engine cooling system, whereas driving the car with these issues can pose more significant problems and expensive repairs.
Therefore, it is safe to inspect the issue immediately, thus avoiding more critical matters, so you know now what to do in case of the car heater malfunctions again! You currently have your problem solved, and your car heater is back again with no worries to face anymore. Click on these links to read related articles; know what is PTC heater in a car and why my car heater is not working.