Tricks To Spot Your BMW’s Heater Core Dysfunctionality

The heater core of your BMW plays a crucial role in making the interior of your high-end car comfortable to drive during the cold winter season. Additionally, the heater core in your high-end car operates in conjunction with the engine cooling system and the cabin heating mechanism.

Now, if you are driving with a failing heater core under the hood of your car, it not only hampers your comfort but also puts the engine at risk of damage due to overheating. At Hayes European, located in Santa Cruz, CA, we will help you identify the dysfunctional heater core in your BMW. Read on for further information.

Tricks To Catch a Dysfunctional Heater Core

Absence or Inadequate Heating

One of the significant signs associated with a dysfunctional heater core in your BMW is inadequate heating or a complete lack of it when you turn on the heat dial. The moment you turn on the heat dial, you should experience warm air flowing out from the vents on your dashboard; however, if you experience a consistent flow of cold air, then there is something wrong with the system.

Most of the time, the problem is caused by clogged internal passages in the heater core, which affect the flow of warm air in the system. Due to blockages caused by the accumulation of dirt & debris over the years, the hot coolant fails to heat the air, resulting in inadequate heating inside the cabin of your car.

Additionally, a low level of coolant can also affect the heating mechanism in your vehicle. If you encounter an inadequate level of coolant, your BMW should be inspected for coolant leaks.

Sweet Odor Inside the Cabin

Generally, when the heater is operational in your high-end car, you will experience warm air flowing from the vents without any unpleasant odors emanating from them. However, with a leaking heater core under the hood of your BMW, you will experience a sweet, syrupy smell inside the cabin of your car when you turn on the heat dial.

Most of the time, this happens because of a leak in the heater core, which lets the coolant leak into the cabin of your luxury car. In fact, this smell will be noticeable when the engine is warm and the heater is operational. If you come across a faint smell, then the leak is small; however, a strong smell suggests the presence of a large leakage.

This is a serious situation, and you must contact us at Hayes European, located near you in Santa Cruz, CA, immediately so that our certified mechanics can address the problem promptly before it escalates.

Engine Overheating

In the worst-case scenario, which we must discuss, the engine of your BMW may overheat due to a failing heater core in your vehicle. This is because a completely dysfunctional heater core prevents the coolant from flowing properly, and as a result, an inadequate quantity of coolant reaches the engine, causing it to overheat.

Additionally, if the heater core has developed a significant leak, it can result in a substantial loss of coolant from your BMW. This is when you will observe erratic functioning of the heater core, and simultaneously, the engine’s temperature will rise, leading to severe overheating problems.

Dampness on the Floorboard

This is considered a significant indication of a dysfunctional heater core in your BMW when you get to experience dampness on the floorboard of your high-end car. Due to a leak in the heater core, the leaking coolant accumulates on the passenger-side floorboard.

However, the chances of water leaking from a blocked AC drain cannot be ruled out, which is why it is essential to have your A/C system inspected by a certified auto repair shop. This should be your top priority because any delay in fixing the problem can lead to issues with a host of components in your vehicle.

Get Your Dysfunctional Heater Core Fixed By The Experts From Hayes European

Driving with a malfunctioning heater core can become a nightmare for BMW drivers, as it has a direct impact on the engine’s functioning. Our team of certified mechanics at Hayes European, located in Santa Cruz, CA, will help repair the dysfunctional heater core in your BMW.

In fact, we at Hayes European are equipped with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment, which helps us quickly detect underlying issues in cars. Call or contact us now to schedule an appointment, and we will ensure your BMW is free from all issues when it rolls out of our garage.