Winter is coming! It's time to get a heater inspection.

Winter is coming. It’s time to get a heater inspection.

[caption id="attachment_945" align="alignright" width="550"]Blower Motor West Springfield Blower Motor filled with leaves after a mouse moved in![/caption] As the temperature starts to dip, it’s critical that your car’s heater is up to spec. If your heater isn't working, you could be putting yourself and your family in danger-- and not because your car’s cabin will be freezing cold. A failing heater can prevent your defroster from clearing ice and frost off your windshield, creating an unsafe situation for you and your passengers. If your heater is on the fritz, it could be time for a repair. Here's how to get a heater inspection:

How does the heater work?

A car’s heating system is super simple. As the coolant circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat, and funnels through a much small radiator called the heater core. Instead of venting the heat outside the car, like it would if the heater was not running, a blower fan pushes the warm air from the heater core, through the car's air ducts, and into the vehicle's cabin. A heater should be able circulate air that's in the balmy 75- to 100-degree range. If it doesn't, there is a problem within the system.
If your car needs maintenance or repair before this winter season, call us at (413)  314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.

What should I expect?

When you come into the shop, one of our trained technicians will perform a thorough check of your vehicle's entire heating system. They'll examine the system from end to end to determine the source and cause of the heater malfunction, and draw up a detailed report about the scope and cost of the necessary repairs. The technician will answer any questions you might have, and then they'll perform the service after you sign off.

At V&F

It goes without saying that no one likes to drive while shivering, but a broken heater can also hinder your visibility and limit your ability to drive safely. At V&F, we strive to provide our customer a well-rounded knowledge of all things automotive. Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has been providing top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair before this winter season, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online. Schedule Service
  This article was originally published 2019 and has been updated.

Written by Nicole Palange