If you are driving around Columbia this February and notice a distinct, sweet smell inside your vehicle—almost like maple syrup—it isn’t a late-winter treat. It is actually a major red flag for a leaking heater core.

Your heater core relies on your engine’s cooling system to keep you warm, which means a leak here is more than just a comfort issue; it is a mechanical risk to your engine.

Common Red Flags to look for:

  • Windows that fog up with a greasy film when the defroster is on.
  • Coolant pooling on the passenger side floorboard.
  • A distinct, sweet smell of coolant inside the vehicle.

If you see or smell these signs, stop by Exhaust Plus so Michael can provide a thorough inspection to protect your engine and your comfort.