Signs that your Car’s Heater Core is broken

December 14th, 2016 by

Car Heater Repair in Rhode Island

During the cold Rhode Island winter, drivers know that the heater in their vehicle is a vital feature. Nobody wants to be stuck in a car for a long time with no heater in the middle of winter. Which is why it’s so important that you make sure that the heater core in your vehicle is working properly. Here are a few signs that your car’s heater core is in need of repair.

The heater core of your car is located behind the dashboard and functions as a part of its cooling system. It operates your car’s heating and defrosting functions by sending warm air into the cabin and keeping your windows from fogging. Signs that this component is broken include:

Windows fogging. One of the most common and obvious signs that your heater is broken is that there is a sudden excess of fog on your windows, covering them in condensation. This is a sign that a leak has sprung and coolant vapor is entering your cabin.

Sweet Smell. If there is a sweet, humid smell inside your vehicle, this is another sign that your heater core is broken. The smell comes from your radiator fluid leaking. You’ll also find evidence of the leak underneath your car, so keep an eye out.

Coolant is used more quickly. Going through a large amount of coolant is a sign that the coolant is not only leaking, but that its leaking directly into your cabin. To confirm that this is the problem, check the passenger side of your car floor for moisture.

Your heater doesn’t work. Another clear and common sign that your car’s heater core isn’t working is if it isn’t blowing warm air into the cabin or is blowing just lukewarm, even after allowing the car to warm up. This could mean a hole in your heater car, causing the warm air to escape before it reaches the cabin.

[ Read more: Replacing Windshield Wipers ]

Get your heater core fixed at Speedcraft Volkswagen

If your vehicle is showing any of these signs of a broken heater core, we’ll be happy to take a look at it for you. Our expert service staff at Speedcraft Volkswagen is equipped to get your heater core back in running order in no time, so you can stay warm this winter.

Just give us a call or schedule a service appointment online whenever it’s convenient for you, and we’ll be sure to fit you in for a checkup and repair.

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