How does vehicle heating work?

With the arrival of wintertraveling with our vehicle can be complicated having to deal with wet roads, snow and other weather conditions. To best deal with these situations it is essential to maintain a good climate in the environment Interior MAKE MAKE. And an element that plays a fundamental role in this sense is the car's heating system. Find out more Comforted how it works and the types that exist!

What parts make up a car's heating system?

Car heating provides comfort during the cold months, so it is important to understand how it works in order to react in the event of an accident. Even so, it should be used with moderationas it emits harmful gases. Furthermore, a constant temperature comfortable environment that allows you to concentrate, as excess can do influence your ability to react.

Let us now explain the components involved:

• Radiator: Helps keep the engine cool.
• Thermostat: Check the engine temperature.
• Fan: distributes hot air.
• Air ducts: its function is to channel the air so that it flows and reaches all corners of the car evenly.

What is the heating process?

The warming process begins when the engine starts to heat up. The heat from the engine is transferred to the refrigerant which circulates in the engine and then to the heater radiator, where the air is heated and then distributed throughout the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This applies to more traditional cars, as modern cars already have a air conditioning systemwhich controls and regulates the internal temperature with greater precision.

The operation of the air conditioning in a modern model is similar to that of older models, with the addition of a electronic system which regulates the exact amount of heat entering the car. Do it all the way sensors in the passenger compartment and outside to determine the hot air mixture needed for the refrigerant and cold air generated by the air conditioning compressor. It basically replaces the typical red and blue wheel.

Most common faults

The most common problems that cause the operation to stop are losses or the clogging of the radiatorso it's a good idea to check your system regularly to see if this is necessary clean it. It may also happen that the the thermostat is defectiveso we'll have to do it go to the nearest Confortauto workshop for the check and replaceif necessary.

Types of car heating

There are different types of heating systems, each with their own advantages and disadvantages which must be carefully considered:

– Through the coolant

This mechanism is the traditional and the best known. As already mentioned, use the engine heat to heat the coolant, which in turn heats the air drawn into the passenger compartment.

– Electrical system

This system is used by electric vehiclessince no coolant enters the car to heat it, since it is not necessary to cool a combustion engine. Instead, use electrical resistors to generate heat through its high-voltage battery, which powers these resistors. Once the heat is created, a fan blows hot air which is distributed throughout the interior of the car. It's a efficient system, but can consume a lot of energywhich can significantly reduce the range of this type of vehicle.

– Infrared

This is a new technology which is being developed, especially for electric vehicles, with the main goal of Increase battery life, saving up to 60% energy. Heating tends to consume a lot of resources. Its operation is based on infrared radiation to heat various surfaces, since these, at high temperatures, emit radiation in the infrared spectrum, and can be used to give personalized warmth to the occupants of the car at a certain distance.

Maintenance of a car's heating system

As with any part of your car, it is important to carry out regular maintenance to ensure ensure efficiency of the entire system. First, make sure your thermostat and radiator are working properly. It is also necessary to periodically check the coolant level.

Trust Confortauto, a specialist in mechanics and tyres

You may already know that understanding how a car's heating system works is essential ensure comfort and safety of our trips in the colder months. Remember that it is essential Please use this system responsiblydue to cost and environmental impact, and making sure everything works properly. To prolong its useful life, carry out regular maintenance and, if at any time you notice signs of abnormality malfunctions or damageimmediately go to one of the more than 750 Confortauto workshops in Spain and Portugal.