How will you know if your car’s heater core is failing? Let’s look at 5 clear indications that the heater core has gone bad.
Bad Car Heater Core Signs
There are a few common ways to tell a car’s heater core is failing. From cold air to low coolant, let’s look at these issues in detail.
1. Blowing Cold Air
The heater core features a series of hoses through which hot engine coolant is circulated. When you turn the heater up, the air will move over the hot coolant in order to heat up.
If the core is leaking, however, there is no hot coolant in place to warm the air. This means cold air will now blow into your cabin.
2. Engine Overheating
Drivers will undoubtedly become frustrated if the air blowing into the vehicle is hardly warm or cold, yet the engine is still overheating. This happens because the engine is losing valuable coolant out of the core leak.
This can create a unique scenario where the interior of the car is cold and the engine is somehow overheating, at the same time. In this event, it is most likely related to the heater core.
3. Low Coolant Level
As coolant starts to leak out of the heater core, the coolant level can get too low. If the heater core is failing, you may find yourself adding coolant to your engine more frequently than normal.
You should never have to add coolant to your vehicle at any point. If you end up doing this, you most likely have an engine or heater core issue.
4. Foggy Windows
Whenever the heater core is leaking, warm coolant can create condensation inside the vehicle when mixed with the cabin’s cold air.
This results in foggy windows that refuse to clear no matter how high you turn on the defroster. The heater core is also responsible for warming the air that blows through the windshield’s defroster.
5. Odd Odors
When the heater core is failing, it can produce a very distinct odor. If you notice a sweet smell similar to that of maple syrup, there is likely a coolant leak from the heater core.
You will notice this odor coming through the vents when air is blown over the heater core to warm it prior to flowing through the vents.
Heath’s Auto Service In Flagstaff, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, our expertise isn’t limited by make or model — we handle them all. Whether you drive a vintage classic or the latest high-tech marvel, our team is adept at providing top-tier auto repair services tailored to your vehicle’s unique needs. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs, we’ve got you covered. Request an appointment with our experienced team right here!
