What is a heating core in a car?

Question

I've been getting condensation on the inside of my car windshield that's causing the seatbelts to mold (gross, I know) and I was told it's a broken heating core. What is a heating core? Can I get the problem fixed at Jiffy Lube or something like that?

Answer 1

i own a repair shop,and this isn't an easy repair to do,and no jiffy lube can do it, it will have to go in to a regular repair shop to be done,its the core that holds the hot coolant that give off the heat for the car when you use the heater is what it is,and its a good days job at the least to put one in,and it can be kind of expensive also depending on the car,and the cost of the part,most heater cores are fairly cheap,but i know of one for a Nissan that the heater core cost over 400 bucks for,so it all depends on what type of car you have ,and how long it will take to repair it,but you to get it done soon,if its leaking that bad you should be having to add a lot of coolant to it,if not it may not be the heater core,it maybe a leak from around a door seal or something,a fresh water leak will mold faster than anti freeze will,good luck with it,i hope this helps.

Answer 2

You know what a radiator is, rite? A heater core is a mini radiator normally under the dashboard between the driver and the passenger. You can't see it because it is boxed in with hoses going in, and large hoses coming out and a electric fan motor is also enclosed in there. - It varies with different makes and models of cars.
The problem could be just a loose heater hose clamp and coolant is slowly dripping out(causing the condensation).
Jiffy Lube is for oil changes. A general mechanic is what you need. It could be quick or take a couple of hours to get at and reinstall again. They should be able to quote you right off of how much labor is involved.

Answer 3

The heater core is a small radiator looking piece.... it is under the dash, sometimes in the heater box. Some are very cheap, like $20, some cost alot to have them changed. You have to take your car to a good garage, not jiffy lube to have the heater core replaced. You can pay anywheres from $75 to$500 to have the job done.

Answer 4

the heater core is nothing more than a very small radiater, that a fan draws air through, to gring heat into the car with.
Yes, if that core is leaking, the air coming out may have a sweet smell to it. or cause fog to appear in the center of the wind shield.

Forget jiffy lube, take it to a NAPA service center, and get it done the right way, the first time.

Answer 5

You'll have to take it to a dealership or someone that specializes in heating and cooling systems. The heater core is what the air blows over to bring hot air into the car for your heater. It's almost like a small radiator. And when it tears up you'll have coolant on the inside of your car. Usually under the passenger side carpet.

Answer 6

Its a core, looks like a miniture radiator. Its what your coolant circulates to to male your heater work. If you open your hood it should be on the firewall on the upper left side, usualy encase in a plastic box. Some care models its underneath the dash on the passenger side. Can purchase a heater core at any auto parts store usualy for a reasonable price. Then either have a mechanic or someone enterprising enough to figure it out do it. Not too difficult, or shouldn't be anyway.

Answer 7

the heater core is a smaller radiator that alows coolant to flow through so you can blow air by it to generate heat inside your car. You are going t have to go into a garage to have the problem fixed and it can be quite expensive depending on the car. The dash usually has to be disassembled.