Not all owners take their car to the auto repair shop before the cold weather strikes. Despite their mechanics’ recommendations, many prefer to wait until the first signs of trouble appear. longmont air conditioning service specialists warn that waiting for too long to have the car’s heating system repaired could bring about high expenses.

Most car heating problems are related to a malfunction of the heater core. It is the part of the heating system that looks and acts like a small radiator. It is easy to recognize by its set of thin tubes and its waffle-like appearance given by the fins dispersing the heat.

It allows the proper functioning of the heater and defroster, by circulating coolant through the tubes. The coolant goes in through one hose and out through the other. In this way, it radiates heat into the cabin. The heater core is also responsible for the defroster’s functioning, and it is connected to the air conditioning system, which has a similar organization.

The inside of the car fogs up without a reason, and the windows are covered in condensation, it could mean that the heater core blew after the warming up of the engine. The coolant may have leaked into the cabin and evaporated at the contact with the cooler air.

2. Melon-Like Smell

When the heater core breaks and coolant starts leaking, it releases a sweet fruity smell that can be detected both in the cabin and outside, around the car. A look under the car should confirm that the coolant is leaking.

When cars start needing more coolant than they used to, their heater core has usually blown. The coolant may be leaking under the car or in the cabin, on the passenger-side floor, when the engine is cold, thus going unnoticed.

4. The Cabin Temperature Won’t Rise, Although the Heat Is Turned on

This problem is not necessarily related to the heater core. If it is not accompanied by one if the signs above, it could be caused by the blower motor or some other heater component. If it does come with another sign, it means the heater core has a puncture or hole in it, letting the warm air escape too fast towards the other end of the ducts.

When the engine is overheating, but the temperature in the cabin remains low, the heater core could be at fault again, leaking coolant or facing some other issue.

No matter which of the above signs one notices, it is important to contact a Longmont heating service provider and schedule a car inspection. If the heating system is neglected, it could cause numerous car components to overheat and break down. A small problem that could be easily fixed in any Longmont auto repair shop, could turn into a huge one that will cost a fortune to fix.