What is a heater core?

A heater core is a water to heat exchanger that allows heat to the passenger compartment air stream. The hot coolant ( anti freeze ) moves around the tubes in the heater core.

How does a heater core work?

A heater core is an internal combustion engine that is found in trucks and cars. They are cooled by water which is circulated throughout the engine and the radiator by a water pump. The core is a small radiator which is found under the dash board. Hot coolant goes through the core and gives off heat before flowing back into the cooling system of the engine.

Heater Core and Air Conditioning

Most cars equipped with air conditioning , the outside air is fed through the a/c coil. It is very similar to the a heater coil that is filled with cold gas. It cools the engine rather than heats it up. To get the temperature that best suits you the air has to be cooled by the a/c and then heated by the core.

Heating Core Problems

Like any other car part, there are possible problems with the heating core. There are so many bends to the core that any of these bends can become clogged at any time. That is why it is very important for you to flush the coolant and have it changed every 6 months or so.