Why is my Subaru blowing cold air? Icy air from the vents in a Subaru can mean a coolant leak, and a leaking head gasket is a common cause. We pressure test the system to confirm before any repair.
The symptom
A longtime customer said the vents stayed cold no matter how long the Subaru warmed up. Heat loss in winter and overheating in summer often have the same cause, a coolant leak. Sometimes it's something simple like a loose clamp or a bad thermostat.
How we found it
We road tested the car and found a big loss of coolant. Then we pressure tested the cooling system and checked for leaks on a lift. Coolant was leaking from the driver side head gasket, and the passenger side showed staining from a smaller leak.
The repair
Both cylinder heads had to come off to be checked for warping or cracks. They went to a machine shop for cleaning and service, so the mounting surface was smooth and the gasket could seal. On this job the engine stayed in the car, which saves the owner money.
Timing belt and water pump
The car was about 10,000 miles from its timing belt service. With the engine apart, the owner chose to replace the belt and water pump now instead of paying for the same labor again later. We finished with scheduled maintenance. See timing belt service and overheating repair.
Signs of a head gasket leak
- Low coolant with no visible puddle.
- Overheating or no heat.
- Coolant staining near the engine.
- Sweet smell from the engine bay.
Questions we hear
Are head gaskets common on Subarus?
Yes, it's a common repair on these engines, so we see it often.
Is it safe to keep driving with a leak?
No. A small leak grows, and overheating can cause major engine damage.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Repairs carry our 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.
Losing coolant or heat? Book a check or see our Subaru repair page.
