The Aarrow Transmission & Automotive Guide for Richmond Drivers: Heater Core Cooling system repair Richmond Richmond drivers may wonder where the warm 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 drivers turn on the heat, air blows over the heater core, is warmed, and comes into the cabin. Some vehicles have a heater valve that brings 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 critical signs that warn motorists of a leaky heater core: First you may see a sweet smell from your vents. This is coolant leaking out and getting into the air. You may even observe 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 generally 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 Aarrow Transmission & Automotive tech will help ensure your coolant has enough corrosion inhibitors working to protect this important 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 knowledgeable Aarrow Transmission & Automotive service advisor about when a cooling system service should be performed. Give us a call Aarrow Transmission & Automotive 707 Research Road Richmond, VA 23236 804.794.2400 4545C Pouncey Tract Rd Glen Allen, VA 23059 804-364-2500
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:19:41 +0000