# Car problem: heater core **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 10, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995 "2024-07-10T12:37:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2024, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/21 "2024-07-10T17:37:10Z")
I’m pretty sure mine isn’t leaking. Coolant levels are consistent. If I do have the heater core replaced, it would be an opportunity to fix other things inside the dash. I’ve had no horn for years and the steering wheel button to check miles till empty etc hasn’t worked for a while. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/22 "2024-07-10T20:01:26Z")
A 2016 is awfully early to be having years of heater core problems, plus the other control stuff. I jokingly ask, is this a flood recovery rebuild or something? > [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > The heater core is like a little radiator. That’s exactly what it is, in function if not appearance. I think the term _core_ throws people off as we expect cores to be glowing and quietly humming with an ominous energy. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2024, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/23 "2024-07-10T20:07:42Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > is this a flood recovery rebuild or something? Nope. No problems at all until the heater core thing. Historically, I’ve always kept Jeep Wranglers until 100,000 miles, then traded in for a new one because I hate dealing with the eventual failures that tend to happen. This one I decided to keep longer. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/24 "2024-07-12T04:12:53Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > It is part of the whole coolant system flow, not separate from the engine. The same coolant flowing through the main radiator and the engine also flows through the heater core. No flow, no cooling the engine. Well, part of the flow goes through the heater, not all of it. Cars with complex cooling systems can have a electric pump to force the coolant through the heater. The original design for the Chevrolet Vega did not use a radiator as the heater core was supposed to have enough surface area. Production models had a very small radiator, though. On my Triumph I can valve off the flow to the heater to help cool off the cockpit. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/25 "2024-07-24T16:34:29Z")
It may be cheaper to go with an aftermarket heater. Factory heater cores are buried under the dash and can be a major job to replace. Depends on the vehicle. Aftermarket saves much of the labor cost. > **[Automotive Heaters | Summit Racing](https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/heaters)** > > Put heat in your car, truck, UTV, or tractor, even when interior or dashboard space is at a premium. Find a large selection of automotive heaters from Summit Racing®, Maradyne, Quadboss, Vintage Air, Rugged Ridge, and more at Summit Racing Equipment. This one has tubing to connect it to the radiator. [https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mar-mm-a1090002](https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mar-mm-a1090002) ---
**Author:** ![sb1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@sb1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sb1953)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/26 "2024-07-24T16:42:40Z")
YES! This! BTW most engines to day some part iron and some part aluminum and so coolant degrades quickly. Check your owners manual and I bet it says to flush and change fluid at least every 24 months ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995/27 "2024-07-24T16:46:45Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Aftermarket saves much of the labor cost. I’ll look into this if the problem continues. As it stands, I’m fine with flushing the core every 6 months if necessary, as it takes me 15 minutes. > [@racer72](#): > > Your whole cooling system needs a flush, not just the heater core. I picked up the kit to do that and will next time. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-problem-heater-core/1003995.md?page=1)