How to Determine if the Heater Core is Faulty?

[DiBryce]

Methods to determine if the heater core is faulty: 1. Leakage from the core is easily noticeable. Minor leaks can be detected near the water pump vent, while significant leaks will directly drip onto the ground through the chassis. 2. Open the car's radiator cap to observe the coolant. If the coolant does not show a noticeable vortex, it indicates an issue with the water pump, especially in high-temperature summer conditions when the engine temperature rises. 3. A faulty core can cause unusual noises in the car, often due to bearing issues in the water pump. 4. Since the car's water pump is connected via a belt to circulate cold water from the radiator, any impairment in the pump's rotation directly affects engine performance, leading to unstable vehicle speed. Prolonged use of the engine's radiator can cause rust and scale buildup, restricting coolant flow in the cooling system, reducing heat dissipation, and potentially damaging the engine.