 | Anthony Splitter has been in the automotive repair industry for 24 years, and has been the Owner/Manager of Downing Motor Service for 8 years. For more information or to contact Anthony please call 620-231-4792. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2010-12-01 14:26:00
What is a heater core and why does it leak?
Answer: A heater core is used to heat the passenger cabin. It uses the engine’s coolant to produce the heat into the passenger cabin.
The heater core is located behind the dash, inside the heater/air conditioning case. When the heater core starts to go out, it can leak on the floor of the vehicle. Leaking is caused by corrosion in the cooling system or a weak seam in the heater core itself. Changing your anti-freeze every three or four years will help keep it from corroding the heater core.
If you notice a leak, or an oily fog on the windshield above the defrost vents, have a certified mechanic look at your vehicle as soon as possible. If you lose too much coolant, it could cause engine problems. Not only could fumes from the coolant pose a driving hazard, they are unhealthy to breathe.
