57 replies to this topic

[MalcQV]

Not that good, I don't use it much. It is warm but mainly blows out up the middle of the car. The Vent setting for the windscreen is minimal to say the least

[coopersmate]

check you don't have an air lock in the heating. Mine blew cold until I disconnected at the heater valve and topped it up there instead of the radiator.

[Pewizzle]

i think i may have to check the heating system then because mine does not even blow out hot air for more than 2 minutes before it goes cold. looks like i will have to spend my weekend looking at it but in the mean time just spend ages defrosting and shivering in my car haha

[jaydee]

Use an 88° thermosta and blank part of the grill off. This will make the heater warmer and to work as soon as possible.
I've got some anti-ice spray from a local dealer, sprayed on either outside/inside and it works.
At least at -2° you can wipe ice off with wipers and have no ice on the iside.

[Mini_Magic]

By not driving the Mini in winter. Then the heater is great.

Actually the heater on my Mini is really good and warm, I just choose nor to drive it in winter.

Edited by Mini_Magic, 11 December 2012 - 03:09 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

What do you mean defrosting the car. Surely you just scraped the ice of jump in and drive?

[MalcQV]

i think i may have to check the heating system then because mine does not even blow out hot air for more than 2 minutes before it goes cold. looks like i will have to spend my weekend looking at it but in the mean time just spend ages defrosting and shivering in my car haha

It probably has an airlock in it.

[AVV IT]

As others have said, the standard mini heater is actually quite good when everything's working as it should be. So try flushing your heater matrix to make sure you're actually getting heat into the heater in the first place. (this should also clear any air locks that may be causing a problem). Also check the wiring on your heater, as it's possible for it to be wired in backwards, which makes the blower run in reverse and not move much air. Also check that the foam seal inside the heater hasn't perished, as a poor seal will stop warm air being directed to the windscreen ducts and cause it to escape out into the foot wells. Finally check that the plastic ducting that leads to the windscreen isn't leaking and is actually connected to the demister ducts that bolt underneath the upper dash rail, also check that the demister ducts are securely connected to the upper dash rail and are not leaking.

Edited by AVV IT, 11 December 2012 - 04:04 PM.

[Black.Ghost]

Im putting a heated front screen in when it goes back together. Got to be the easiest way in the long run.

[Mattl]

Check the condition of your stat (just change it for the cost). A permanently open stat will mean long warm up times and in this weather, never fully up to temp.

[AGoaty]

I have a 91 degree thermostat in mine. Amazing what 3 degrees makes different. Doesn't affect the cooling either. I use it all year round.

One thing I still can't sort is the washer bottle in the boot freezing up.. Every year it's the same. I end up putting neat concentrate in it or it's solid for 3 months!

[Pewizzle]

By not driving the Mini in winter. Then the heater is great.

Actually the heater on my Mini is really good and warm, I just choose nor to drive it in winter.

i wish i had the money to do that but insurance is just an eye sore for any other car and i certainly cant afford to run two cars at once

[colinu]

I'm thinking about fitting a heater from T7 Designs ( http://www.t7design.co.uk/ ). I believe they are better (heat and blowing) than even the later 2speed Mini heaters, but my reason for considering T7 is they are more compact - i.e. less clutter under the dash rail.

[seancv1]

im going to fit one of those ! when i get to that point... haha i clocked that website a while ago whilst looking for an alternative if you get round to fitting it beforehand me let me know , which one are you going to go for ?

[Joe-C]

What do you mean defrosting the car. Surely you just scraped the ice of jump in and drive?

this is what I do; a can of de-icer spray and a scraper and thats it.