What is the Heater Core?

Grand Rapids drivers may wonder where the balmy air in your passenger compartment comes from. Well, as your engine starts to warm up, it also warms the coolant/antifreeze that circulates around the engine and through the radiator. There is also a hose that conveys coolant/antifreeze from the engine to the heater core and another that takes it back into the engine. The heater core looks like a little radiator and lives in the air blend box behind the dashboard.

When motorists turn on the heat, air blows over the heater core, is warmed, and comes into the cabin. Some vehicles have a heater valve that transfers coolant through the heater core when the heat is on and bypasses the heater core when the heat is off. In other vehicles, the temperature of the air is controlled within the air blend box by how much air is directed over the heater core.

The engine cooling system, in a larger sense, also encompasses the heater core. Things that adversely sway, say, your radiator will also harm your heater core. The coolant/antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that coat the surfaces inside the cooling system, including the heater core. When the corrosion inhibitors are depleted, the cooling system can become corroded, filled with contaminants, and may even start to leak.

There are several important signs that warn motorists of a leaky heater core: First you may notice a sweet smell from your vents. This is coolant leaking out and getting into the air. You may even notice vapor coming out the vents and notice a film building up inside the windows. Of course, breathing coolant vapors is detrimental for you.

You may also experience coolant on the driveway. Furthermore, depending on the design of your vehicle, you may even get coolant leaking out into the foot wells of the cabin.

Coolant/antifreeze leaking out through the heater core means that the overall coolant level in the system will be low and the engine is in danger of overheating – which is typically the cause of a steep mechanical breakdown.

The good news is that the things you do to protect your cooling system also protect your heater core. Changing your coolant/antifreeze as directed by your auto manufacturer or upon the counseling of your Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service tech will help ensure your coolant has enough corrosion inhibitors working to protect this vital system. Also, quickly repairing any leaks and inspecting hoses for signs of internal breakdown will help keep any trouble from becoming an emergency.

Make sure you talk to with your considerate Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service service specialist about when a cooling system service should be performed.

Give us a call

Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service
939 Fulton Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.459.8941

At Spaanstra Bros. Automotive Service in Grand Rapids MI (49503) we install quality NAPA replacement parts.