Expert Heater Repair You Can Trust in Auburn
Is Your Car Heater Not Working? Stay Warm With Expert Repair.
When the weather turns cold, a working car heater is more than comfort — it plays a key role in safety, visibility, and engine health. If your heater is blowing cold air, taking too long to warm up, or your defroster isn’t clearing the windshield, Auto Servicenter is here to help.
Our certified technicians diagnose heater issues accurately and repair them quickly, so you can stay warm and safe on the road.
Signs Your Vehicle’s Heater Needs Service
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a heater diagnostic:
Cold or lukewarm air from vents
Weak airflow or no airflow
Foggy windows that won’t clear
Sweet antifreeze smell inside the car
Temperature gauge running hotter than normal
Noises from the heater/blower area
Heat works only while driving
Cabin takes a long time to warm up
Problems that start small can quickly turn into expensive repairs if ignored.
Common Causes of Heater Problems
Your heater depends on heat from the engine, proper airflow, and functional controls. When one part fails, the entire system can stop working.
Low Coolant or Coolant Leaks
Since your heater uses engine coolant to produce heat, low levels mean no warm air. Leaks also risk engine overheating.
Faulty Thermostat
A stuck thermostat prevents the engine from reaching proper temperature, causing poor or no cabin heat.
Clogged or Leaking Heater Core
The heater core acts like a mini radiator. When clogged or corroded, it stops warm air from circulating.
Blower Motor Failure
If the fan isn’t blowing, you won’t feel warm air even if the heater is functioning.
Blend Door or Actuator Failure
These control the temperature and direction of air. When they fail, you may get cold air only or airflow from the wrong vents.
Electrical Issues
Blown fuses, wiring faults, resistor failures, or HVAC control problems can cause the heater to stop working entirely.
Our Heater Repair & Diagnostic Process
1. Full HVAC System Inspection
We begin with a visual and functional test of:
Coolant level and condition
Thermostat operation
Heater core flow
Blower motor performance
Temperature blend doors
Fuses, wiring, and HVAC controls
Coolant leaks or hose issues
2. Precision Diagnostics
If the issue isn’t obvious, we perform:
Pressure testing
Heater core flow and temperature testing
Electrical diagnostics
Actuator movement verification
Coolant system testing
3. Clear Findings and Honest Recommendations
We explain the exact cause, provide repair options, and help you prioritize what needs attention now and what can wait.
4. Quality Heater Repairs
We repair or replace the faulty components using high-quality parts and industry-leading methods.
5. Final Performance Verification
Before returning your vehicle, we confirm:
Before returning your vehicle, we confirm:
Proper heat output
Strong airflow
Defroster performance
No coolant leaks
Accurate temperature control
You’ll leave with a heater that works the way it should.
Why Drivers Choose Auto Servicenter
ASE-certified technicians
Honest, straight-forward recommendations
Advanced diagnostics for accurate results
High-quality parts and workmanship
Fast turnaround and friendly service
Trusted in Auburn for over 60 years
Warranty-backed repairs
Family-operated, local auto shop
We treat your vehicle as if it were our own — and we stand behind every repair.
What Our Customer Are Saying
Amazing experience! Servicenter is the only place that’s gotten my Subaru completely fixed — not half-done like other shops I’ve dealt with. They were prompt, honest, reasonable, and very thorough. The staff were kind, friendly, and trustworthy. They even cleaned the engine bay which was definitely going the extra mile. I really appreciate the quality of their work and will definitely return!
Lillian Lowery
I had a set of brake lines made at this shop and was very impressed by their quality of work and customer service. Thank you Servicecenter Radiator & Auto! I will be using your shop again! Update 8 months later: I used their shop again for some custom brake lines. As usual, great craftsmanship and customer service. These guys are great!
Cole Sanders
If I could give this business 10 STARS, I would. I took in an older car to get the air conditioning fixed. I really was not expecting good news. I was delighted after the diagnosis, they not only got the AC charged and working but also fixed the air blowing into the car. They went out of the way to present cheaper options for the repairs, if needed. The final cost was a about 25% of what I thought I would have to pay. This company has a customer for life.
Terri Vanhorn
Why Choose Us for
Expert Automotive Repair and Maintenance Services
· Skilled, certified technicians
· High-quality parts and equipment
· Clear, accurate estimates—no upselling
· Same-day service available for many repairs
· Trusted by generations of local customers
· Full range of automotive repair and maintenance
· Expertise in hard-to-diagnose cooling systems
· Clean, professional, and friendly service experience
· Easy scheduling and prompt communication
· Reputation for dependable workmanship
· Domestic and import vehicles welcome
· Convenient after-hours drop-off options
Comprehensive Warranty On All Work
Every repair is backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty for your peace of mind. We stand behind the quality of our workmanship and the parts we use, ensuring your vehicle leaves our shop running reliably and safely. If anything doesn’t feel right after your service, simply bring your vehicle back—we’ll take care of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop off my vehicle before or after business hours?
Yes. We offer an after-hours drop-off option so you can leave your vehicle at your convenience. Just let us know ahead of time, and we’ll make sure everything is set up for a smooth drop-off process.
Do you work on both foreign and domestic vehicles?
Yes. We service all major foreign and domestic makes and models, providing reliable repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics for nearly every type of car or light truck on the road.
How often should I get my car serviced?
Most vehicles should be serviced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the make, model, and driving conditions. Regular maintenance—like oil changes, brake inspections, fluid checks, and tune-ups—helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your car running safely and efficiently. If you notice unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, or changes in performance, it’s best to bring your vehicle in sooner. Your owner’s manual will also list the recommended service intervals for your specific car.
How long does a typical repair take?
Timing depends on the type of service. Oil changes and basic maintenance usually take 30–60 minutes, while larger repairs depend on parts availability and the complexity of the issue. We’ll always give you an estimated completion time before starting any work.
What is included in a standard tune-up?
A standard tune-up focuses on restoring your engine’s performance and preventing future problems. It typically includes replacing spark plugs, inspecting ignition components, checking filters, inspecting belts and hoses, cleaning the throttle body, and testing the battery and charging system. We also scan for diagnostic codes, check fluid levels, and perform a full visual inspection to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently.
Why is my car blowing cold air even when the engine is warm?
This is usually due to low coolant, a stuck thermostat, or a clogged heater core.
Why does my heater only work while I’m driving?
This often indicates insufficient coolant flow or a partially clogged heater core.
Why is my car blowing cold air even when the engine is warm?
This is usually due to low coolant, a stuck thermostat, or a clogged heater core.
How do I know if my brakes need replacing?
Common signs your brakes need attention include squeaking or grinding noises, a soft or spongy brake pedal, vibration when stopping, longer stopping distances, or a dashboard brake warning light. You may also notice pulling to one side or a burning smell after braking. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your brakes inspected right away to ensure safe, reliable stopping performance.
What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
If your check engine light comes on, it’s best to have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. A steady light usually means a non-urgent issue, but it still needs attention to prevent further damage. If the light is flashing, it indicates a more serious problem—such as a misfire—that could damage the engine, and you should avoid driving if possible. Bring your vehicle in for a diagnostic scan so we can identify the exact issue and recommend the right repair.
Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?
Appointments are recommended to ensure the fastest service, but walk-ins are welcome whenever our schedule allows. Call ahead and we’ll do our best to get you in quickly.
For auto repairs, we serve customers in Auburn, California, and the surrounding areas. Our exceptional services are requested by customers within a large radius, including Amador, Butte, Glenn, Sacramento, Tehama, Lake Tahoe, Quincy, Yolo, Yuba, Shasta and Sutter counties. Cities we serve include Fairfield, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Dickson, Grass Valley and Nevada City, California. Nevada areas that we serve include Reno and Carson City, Nevada.
Since 1964, drivers have relied on our experience, honesty, and high-quality workmanship.
Open Mon-Fri 8-5