Everyone has had that morning after a frost. Ice is covering your windshield, your
wipers are frozen, so you look for your car's built-in assistance—your defroster. It's an important part of everyone's winter mornings. So, if your car defroster is not working, it's only natural to ask "Why is my defroster not working?" There are several reasons that your vehicle's windshield defroster may be out of commission.
These possible causes vary between front and rear defrosters, as front and rear defrosters work very differently. Front defrosters use vents connected to the car's
heating and cooling system, while rear defrosters use hot wires. Read on to learn more about the common problems with both front and rear defrosters.
Front Defroster Issues
When getting on the road on frosty winter mornings, your front defroster becomes your best friend when fighting against ice. If you're experiencing issues, this
can greatly impact your morning commute timing, as well as your safety once you get on the road. These common issues could be the cause of your issue:
Broken Controls
Broken controls are one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning front defroster. It should be pretty obvious if the button or dial for the front defroster is broken. It is common for front defroster controls to become jammed.
Blockages
If you can hear the blower motor running but there is no hot air, there's likely a blockage somewhere. It is common for the vents to be plugged with snow or ice. You should also check the fresh air intake, as it may be clogged.
Low Coolant Levels
Your vehicle's HVAC system uses
coolant for both heating and cooling. If your vehicle's HVAC system is out of coolant, your front defroster will not work. You can check to see if your HVAC system has coolant by turning on your vehicle's AC. If it gets cold, your HVAC system still has coolant.
Rear Defroster Issues
Your rear defroster operates differently than the one made for your front windshield. If you notice that it's failing to clear away frost and ice, you might want to consider these following causes:
Broken Wires
One of the most common causes of a malfunctioning rear defroster is a broken wire. Wires may snap with age. They can also break if you have been in an accident (even if the accident was just a fender bender). To see if your rear defroster has a broken wire, examine it closely.
Burnt-Out Wires
Burnt-out rear defroster wires are common on older vehicles. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old and the rear defroster does not work, it's likely that the wires are simply burnt-out. If your rear defroster does not show signs of broken wires, broken connections, or a bad fuse, the culprit is probably a burnt-out wire. A burnt-out wire must be replaced.
Broken Connections
Sometimes the wires themselves are not broken, but the connections are. The connections link the power source to the wires. It can be difficult to determine whether your rear defroster has broken wires or broken connections. It is best to simply take your vehicle to the shop if you suspect that you have broken wires or broken connections in your rear defroster.
Bad Fuse
Many rear defroster issues are caused by bad fuses. Thankfully, this problem is relatively easy to diagnose. It is also quite easy to fix. If you have a bad rear defroster, the fuse is one of the first things that you should check. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to see which fuse your rear defroster uses.
If you'd like to check it yourself, you can get a device at an auto parts store. If the fuse is bad, you can simply pop another one in. Of course, you should take your vehicle into
your local United Tire if you have any doubts about the cause of the problem or if you aren't confident in replacing the fuse yourself.
Visit United Tire for Windshield Defroster Repair
If your windshield defroster is not working, you should visit United Tire for service. Any of the United Tire locations in the Philadelphia area can repair your defroster. We have established a reputation for being trustworthy and doing quality work over the years, so you can rest assured that we will take good care of your vehicle. You can call or
schedule your next appointment online.
Related: Signs Your Car Air Conditioning Needs Repairs
