Imagine you are in a vehicle that has cold air blowing around you and a heater that is working its best to warm the interior of the vehicle, and just as that is happening, a sweet smell of chemicals starts coming through the vents. This smell is not like that of your favorite deodorizer, it’s antifreeze! Smelling this indicates that something is not right and that you need to take notice. We have seen this problem hundreds of times, and we are ready to explain what has happened and what possible solutions you can have.
What is Antifreeze Leak?
First things first, let’s discuss the definition of coolant and its importance. Coolant or antifreeze is the most important component in the cooling system of your car. It flows throughout the engine to absorb the heat produced by the engine so that the engine won’t get overheated. The heater core is a component that looks like a mini radiator placed at the back of the car dashboard to provide warmth to the car interior during winter. But once you get a whiff of the scent of the coolant surrounding the heater area, it means that there is a leak in the system.
A heater core leak is one of the most frequent causes of this odor. The heater core can get small cracks or leaks as time goes by, letting coolant ooze out and then evaporate into the air that is being blown through your vents. Often, a humid or sticky sensation is felt on the passenger side carpet, and a thin film is obtained on the windshield, which may lead to fogging. If you notice these symptoms accompanying each other, it is a very strong suggestion that the heater core be inspected.
An external coolant leak is one more suspect that might cause this problem. Occasionally, the leak does not happen inside the vehicle but rather in the engine compartment. A broken pipe, a loose joint, or simply a small fracture are likely causes of the coolant dripping onto the hot engine parts. The coolant can be changed into a gas by the heat, and the gas can then be drawn into the fresh air intake in your air conditioner, making your cabin have a sweet odor. To determine if that’s the cause, open your bonnet and look for dry, crusty coolant drips or damp regions surrounding the hoses or the radiator.
What Can Cause an Antifreeze Leak?
Surprisingly, a loose or worn-out radiator cap can also be the perpetrator behind the heater smelling of coolant. The function of the radiator cap is to keep the pressure inside your cooling system constant. In case it becomes old or fails to create a proper seal, the coolant escaping will turn into vapor that gets sucked into the AC system and eventually your cabin. It is a minor solution, but it definitely deserves a check if you are facing this problem.
What You Can Do About It
Start by verifying the levels of your coolant. Most vehicles have a clear overflow tank, which allows the coolant level to be seen without opening anything. If this is true, then it probably points out that a leak exists somewhere. The engine has to be cool before performing this task to avoid any accidents. Next, you have to look for the area on the floor right in front of the seat for a passenger. You have to use your hand to look for the area of the floor located right next to the seat for a passenger. If you detect any water, it means that there is a leak in the heater core.
But if it’s not that low, you may try to turn off the heater for a short time and use only the vent or AC. This may help in reducing the odor as you are not using any air from the heater core. This may not be a permanent solution to your problem, but it may make your trip less irritating till you have it diagnosed.
Don’t Let Antifreeze Problems Sit and Get Worse!
It is essential to take the correct measures and not ignore the issue. Being exposed to coolant vapor may be harmful to you or your health when you have children or pets with you in the vehicle. Mostly, a leak is a frustrating situation, but not a helpful or improving one. The peculiar smell you detect today may worsen tomorrow to develop a faulty heater, an overheated engine, or a wet floor covered with mildew. That being said, it is essential to locate the source of the leak early to save yourself from the troubles you may encounter when you have to deal with it. The significant inquiry is what your subsequent action should be. Book an appointment with our reliable mechanics today!
Choose HCS Auto Repair
Our team of ASE-certified technicians will conduct a pressure test on the system, find leaks, and pinpoint the source of the issue. If it turns out to be the heater core, then brace yourself, as it usually is not an inexpensive repair due to the labor- intensive nature of the job, given the area where it is situated- deep behind the dashboard. Nonetheless, if the leakage is captured early, then you would casually pass through one more major problem later.
At HCS Auto Repair, we realize that your automobile is not just an object, but it plays a role in your daily activities. Therefore, we endeavor to deliver the most excellent car repair services in Rogers, AR. Our team is ready to assist you and your car in making the quickest oil change or the most complicated transmission repair. You are not just another client for us. Instead, you are a friend, a lifetime client. So if you notice a smell of coolant coming from your heater, don’t hesitate to call us at (479) 751-8232. We are ready to assist you in restoring the peace in your life and make your car work more efficiently. We are waiting for you.