Dear Mike,
I’ve been noticing some strange behaviors from my car lately, and I’m not exactly sure what’s going on. Specifically, I’m concerned that my heater core may be going bad. The car’s heat seems to be inconsistent, and at times, there’s a strange smell coming from the vents. I’m not sure what to do, and I’m worried about the cost of repair. Can you give me some advice on how to know if my heater core is really the culprit, and what my options are if it is?
Best regards,
Aubrey
Dear Aubrey,
It sounds like you may have a bad heater core on your hands, unfortunately. But don’t panic just yet – let’s take a look at some signs and potential solutions.
First off, if you’re noticing fog inside your car or a sweet smell emanating from the vents, it’s likely that the heater core is malfunctioning and needs to be checked out ASAP. This is especially true if you’re losing coolant or if you’re only getting heat on one side of the dual climate control.
If you’re experiencing cold air instead of hot air blowing through the vents, there’s a good chance that the tubes in your heater core are leaking coolant. This can cause your engine to overheat, which is also a major problem. In this case, you’ll definitely want to take your car into a trusted mechanic, like our team at Urban Automotive, and have them take a deeper look.
So what can you do to prevent a heater core disaster from striking? First off, be proactive about your car’s maintenance. Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing all kinds of issues, including problems with your heater core.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask your mechanic to do a coolant flush. This helps to clean out any blockages in your heater core that might prevent proper functioning. Plus, it’s often an affordable step that can help you avoid more costly repairs down the line.
Finally, if your heater core does end up needing replacement, don’t despair. It can be a pricey repair job, but it’s often worth it in the long run. A properly functioning heater core can keep you warm, safe, and comfortable throughout the winter months. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing that your car is in tip-top condition and ready to tackle whatever weather conditions come your way.
Remember, when it comes to your car’s heater core and other systems, it’s always better to catch problems early and nip them in the bud. So if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, don’t wait – get your car into a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. And if you’re in the Oakville, Ontario area, we’d love to help you out at Urban Automotive.
Best regards,
Mike Urban