Car Only Blows Hot Air When Driving—Why Is That?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
21

I’m really curious—has anyone tried using a thermometer to check the air temperature when this happens?

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22

Great idea! It could confirm if the problem is temperature-related or just airflow. I’ll give it a shot!

23

Supportive tips everyone! Just make sure to check your coolant levels too. Low coolant can cause hot air issues as well.

24

Agreed! That’s often overlooked but vital. How often do you guys top off your coolant?

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25

I’ve been meaning to do it—probably every six months if I remember! But I sure forget sometimes, haha.

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26

Jesse, have you considered checking the thermostat as well? A stuck open thermostat can lead to ineffective heating.

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27

Never thought about that! I usually focus on the AC, but it makes sense. Thanks for the tip!

28

Just a reminder: sometimes it can be as simple as the air filter being clogged. It’s worth a quick look!

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29

Could be! I’ll check mine tomorrow. Hopefully, it’s not something major.

30

I recently had this issue! It often points to a failing heater core or low coolant levels. Repair costs can range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the source of the problem.

31

Thanks for sharing! My mechanic mentioned it could also be a stuck thermostat. Anyone know how much that generally costs?

32

When driving at higher speeds, the air can bypass the heater core due to changes in airflow. Have you checked your coolant levels? It’s often a simple fix!

33

Great point! I’ll check my coolant levels tonight. What DIY solutions have worked for others?

34

I struggled with this last summer! Flushing the cooling system helped. That DIY job cost me around $100, way cheaper than the $800 repair estimate.

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35

Definitely! Check for any coolant leaks under your car too. That can save you a headache later!

36

Make sure to inspect your hoses and connections. Replacing a hose is a DIY task that can cost as little as $20!

37

Thanks for the tip! I didn’t realize how easy that could be. Anyone have a video tutorial they recommend?

38

I found one on YouTube! The guy explains the basic steps really well. But, be prepared for oil spills if you end up with leaks.

39

Awesome! I’ll check that out. Though, I’m worried it might be more than a simple fix. Any idea on labor costs if I need a mechanic?

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40

Labor can vary significantly. Expect $75 to $150 per hour, depending on where you live. It really adds up!