When the temperatures drop in Prairie du Chien, you depend on your vehicle’s heater to keep you warm, keep your windshield clear, and keep you safe. If your car is blowing cold air, takes forever to heat up, or the defroster isn’t working, RPM Automotive is the go-to shop for fast, accurate heater repair.

Our certified technicians diagnose heating problems quickly and fix them right the first time — so you’re not stuck shivering on your morning drive.

At RPM Automotive in Prairie du Chien, WI, our ASE-trained technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to quickly pinpoint what triggered the light and what needs to be fixed so you can get back on the road safely and confidently.

Common Signs Your Heater Needs Service

If something feels “off” with your heat, bring your vehicle in before a small issue becomes a major repair. Look out for:

• Cold or lukewarm air from the vents

• Weak or no airflow

• Foggy windows that won’t defrost

• Sweet, antifreeze smell inside the cabin

• Engine running hotter than normal

• Grinding or squealing fan/blower noises

• Heat works only while driving (not at idle)

If you notice any of these symptoms, your HVAC system needs attention.

Why Your Heater May Not Be Working

Your heat relies on several components working together. When one fails, the heater won’t perform properly. The most common causes include:

Low or Leaking Coolant

Your heater uses hot coolant from the engine. If levels are low or a leak is present, you’ll get cold air — and may risk overheating.

Bad Thermostat

A thermostat stuck open prevents the engine from reaching proper temperature, meaning the heater won’t warm up.

Clogged or Failing Heater Core

The heater core acts like a small radiator. Sediment buildup, corrosion, or leaks will stop warm air from flowing.

Faulty Blower Motor

If the fan isn’t pushing air, you won’t get heat no matter what the temperature setting is.

Blend Door or Actuator Failure

These control the temperature and direction of airflow. If they break, you may only get cold air or air coming from the wrong vents.

Electrical Issues

Bad wiring, blown fuses, or failed HVAC control modules can cause the heater to stop working entirely.

Our Heater Repair Process

1. Complete HVAC System Inspection

We start by checking:

• Coolant level and condition

• Heater core performance

• Thermostat operation

• Blower motor function

• Fuses and electrical connections

• Temperature blend controls

• Hoses, valves, and possible leaks

2. Advanced Diagnostics

If the problem isn’t visible during inspection, we perform additional testing such as:

• Pressure testing for coolant leaks

• Heater core flow testing

• Electrical diagnostics

• Blend door actuator checks

3. Clear Results & Honest Recommendations

We explain:

• What caused the issue

• What repairs are needed

• What’s urgent, and what can wait

No pressure. No guesswork. Just the facts.

4. Quality Repair & Final Testing

Once repaired, we re-check:

• Heat output

• Airflow strength

• Defrost operation

• HVAC control accuracy

We return your vehicle with the heater working like it should.

Why Choose RPM Automotive for Heater Repair?

• Certified technicians you can trust

• Accurate testing — no unnecessary parts replacement

• Fast turnaround to get you warm again

• Advanced equipment for modern and older vehicles

• 3-year / 36,000-mile nationwide warranty on qualifying repairs

• Friendly service from a local Prairie du Chien shop

• Full auto repair & maintenance in one location

When your comfort and safety are on the line, we make sure your heater works perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heater Repair

Why is my car blowing cold air even when the engine is warm?
Common causes include low coolant, a stuck thermostat, or a clogged heater core.

Why does the heat only work while I’m driving?
This usually means the heater core is partially clogged or the coolant level is too low for proper circulation.

Can I keep driving without heat?
In some cases, yes — but if the issue is coolant-related, you risk overheating. It’s best to have us inspect it immediately.

Is heater repair expensive?
It depends on the cause. Some fixes are simple and affordable, while components like the heater core are more labor-intensive. We always provide clear estimates upfront.

Stay Warm — Schedule Your Heater Repair Today

Don’t let a cold cabin ruin your drive. Let our team diagnose and repair your heater so you can stay warm all winter long.

RPM Automotive
1519 S Marquette Rd
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone: (608) 527-0377

Warm air. Clear windows. Comfort you can trust.