Fall is here, and if you drive an older automobile, it’s probably not a bad idea to swing by our shop so we can inspect the heater core. Your vehicle’s heating system uses the core so it can blow hot air through the vents to keep you toasty warm in the winter. The core takes advantage of the hot engine coolant before it is returned to the radiator to cool off. Over time, the court can get clogged or start to leak.
Sweet and Musty Odors
For example, if the heater core is leaking, you will smell sweet and musty odors blowing out of the vents. You are actually smelling the coolant that is leaking out of the core. Some people have said that this odor reminds them of maple syrup. It can also smell like candy. Either way, you do not want any musty odors blowing out of the vents and into the passenger cabin.
Constant Window Fog
In addition to the sweet and musty odor, your windows will also constantly fog up. This includes the windshield, and turning on the defroster is not going to help. The reason why is that the air is picking up the coolant and blowing it into your passenger cabin. Consequently, the coolant will stick to the windows and the windshield. You will have foggy windows all the time.
Soppy Floorboard
If you are experiencing one or both of these problems, take a moment to inspect the floorboard on the passenger side of your automobile. The heater core is located on this side of your vehicle underneath the dashboard. If it is leaking, you may have coolant all over the floorboard or the carpet.
Zero Heat
Unfortunately, if the core is leaking or clogged, you will probably have no heat flowing out of the vents. Rather, you will be shivering inside your automobile because there will be cold air blowing through the vents even though the heater is on. This is a sign that there is not any hot coolant in the core over which the air can blow. It’s a good idea to have the core inspected now before winter hits.
Overheating
Finally, whether leaking or clogged, the core is going to make your engine overheat because the circulation of the coolant will stop at the core. The coolant will not be returned to the radiator, and it will not circulate through the engine. This can make your engine overheat in the winter.
We are here to help, so call us today to schedule a service visit for your automobile. Let us take a look at the heater core to make sure you will be warm all winter.