Why is my Car's Heater not Working?

Nothing is worse than running out to your car on a bitter cold morning, turning the key, and switching on the heat, only to find that your car’s heater doesn’t want to come on… or worse, the heater only blows cold air.

During the cold commute to work you begin Googling “Auto Mechanics near me,” and calling shops for possible causes and estimates for repair. Unfortunately, nobody can give you a firm answer or a firm price until they inspect it, because there are several things that could be causing your car’s heater not to work

One such cause could be that your controls aren’t working. This would result in your car’s heater not coming on at all. Buttons and controls are subject to wear over time, so it is possible that all your vehicle needs are some new buttons. Issues with the circuitry or wiring could also cause your car’s heater to not come on. If this is the case, it should be taken to an Automotive Repair Shop like Pugh’s Automotive Service.

If your vehicle’s heater comes on but only blows cold air that could indicate a few different issues. A Plugged Heater Control Valve is one such issue. The Heater Control Valve acts as a switch that turns the heat on or off.

Low Coolant or a Plugged Heater Core could also cause your vehicle’s heater to blow cold air. Coolant Flow is vital in all climates but is more noticeable on cold days since coolant flow through the Heater Core is needed to provide you and your car with heat.

If you have checked your Coolant and it is at the proper level, you could be dealing with a faulty Heater Core or Thermostat. If your Heater Core is slightly leaking then you will notice a sweet, fruity smell. This would indicate a Coolant Leak, which if found with a foggy interior to your car and cold air coming from your heater, it is likely that your Heater Core is the cause.

To be completely sure of the problem, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. At Pugh’s Automotive Service in Dover, DE, we provide Free Inspections. That way, if the problem is easy to diagnose, you don’t get charged unnecessary fees.

If your car is experiencing these issues then stop by 728 Leipsic Rd in Dover, DE for your Free Inspection. You can also visit our website at www.pughsservice.com or call (302)734-4231 to schedule your appointment.

Fluid Leaks and What they Mean

My car has a Fluid Leak, but I don’t know what it is. Can you check it out?

At Pugh’s Service Automotive we hear this question often. Oddly enough, the answer is quite simple to find out if you know what you are looking at.

Here are some tips on how to find out what Type of Fluid Leak your car has.

What Color is the Fluid Leak?

Is the Fluid Leak Black, Green, Clear, Red, Yellow, Blue, or perhaps mixed? Where does the fluid leak look like it’s coming from?

A Black Fluid leak in most cases says we have an oil leak. Green, Yellow, or Reddish-Brown Fluid Leaks point to a leak in the cooling system. On the other hand, Clear color yells we may have a Brake or Power Steering Leak. Power Steering can also be Red. Red will many times be a transmission leak.  Blue will mostly be Washer Fluid.

Where is the Leak Coming From?

Does the Fluid Leak pool in the front of the vehicle? Does it pool towards the Middle, Left, Right, or Rear of your car?

Knowing the area the Fluid Leak pools can be a big step in determining it’s nature. Especially when coupled with the Color of the leak.

Here is a tip to help you to easily determine the location of you Fluid Leak.

Cut out a large piece of cardboard and place the cardboard under your car. Make sure to place it in the area that you think the leak is coming from. The next day inspect the cardboard. Bring it to your shop and THEY WILL LOVE YOU!!!!!

Why will they love you? It makes a clear Marker for the Area of the Fluid Leak. Also, many times the color of a Leaking Fluid is different when seeing it lying on a Blacktop, Concrete or other type of driveway. The cardboard will make the Color of your car’s Fluid Leak much easier to determine.

When Does it Leak Most?

Does your Fluid Leak increase more when your car is warmed up? Does it Leak more after it has sat for a while? This can tell a Mechanic what type of part is Leaking Fluid. This is especially true when coupled with the Color and Location of the Fluid Leak.

Any information you are able to give in regard to your car’s Fluid Leak is GOLDEN, and will be duly noted by your Mechanic.

We know your follow up question will be “Is this Repair Expensive?”

This is a question that can only be answered by Inspecting the car or truck.

Some leaks are slow and some fast, but all leaks follow to the law of gravity. Your leak could be coming from an area that is higher than what it appears. Oil, Antifreeze, Power Steering, Transmission, Brake or Power Steering Leaks should ALWAYS be taken to an expert with a car lift to correctly diagnose your Fluid Leak.

A Wrong or Incomplete diagnosis will only cost you more dollars. At Pugh’s Service Automotive we will inspect your Fluid Leak Free of Charge, even if you are seeking us as a Second Opinion.

3 Reasons Why Your Car Heater Smells Funny

Does your car’s Heater Smell Funny when you Turn It On? If so, do you know what it means?

If you don’t, here is a Guide to some of the more Common Smells that come from your Heater, and what they mean.

Sweet, Maple Syrup Smell

If you turn on your car’s Heater and get a Sweet, Maple Syrup-like Smell, chances are you have an Anti-Freeze Leak…. That or somebody is having some pancakes topped with Maple Syrup in your back seat.

This could either be due to a Leaking Hose or a Leaking Heater Core. The only real way to tell is to take your vehicle to an Auto Repair Shop. This way, an Experienced Mechanic can properly Diagnose the issue.

Burning Plastic Smell

If a Burning Plastic Smell is coming from your car’s Heater, then you probably have Bad Blower Motor. That, or the Blower Resistor, or other related Electronics are getting too hot. If these parts are the culprits, you will only experience the Burning Smell when you turn your car’s heater on.

Do not confuse these with other Burning Smells that you notice if your car’s heater is off. Burning Oil, Overheated Brakes, or Burnt Vacuum Lines are among these culprits.

In either event, call Pugh’s Service Automotive to schedule a Free Inspection. This way we can help you get to the bottom of a very dicey issue.

Rotten Egg Smell

A Bad Catalytic Converter or Old Gear Lube can cause your Heater to put off a nasty Rotten Egg Smell. If this is the case, you will probably only smell this if your car's Fresh Intake is on.

Another Cause is that somebody put a stink bomb into your Fresh Air Intake while you weren’t looking.

All jokes aside, the most common cause of the Rotten Egg Smell is the Hydrogen Sulfide. This can be caused by a bad Catalytic Converter.

The only way to cure this problem is to leave the Fresh Air Intake off until the root problem is fixed. Fortunately, Pugh’s Service Automotive in Dover, Delaware provides Free Inspections. This will help tell us what that root problem is.

To Schedule an appointment visit our website www.PughsService.com or Call (302)734-4231