Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine a car without a heater in winter. For this reason, it is important to ensure that it is always in good working order. The heat exchanger plays an important role in this function. However, that’s not all: if a defective heat exchanger is ignored for a longer period of time, engine damage due to thermal overload is even possible! The following explains the importance of the heat exchanger and the role it plays in the vehicle.
What is a heat exchanger in the car and why is it so important??
The main function of a heat exchanger or. Heat exchanger in the vehicle is to transfer part of the waste heat of the engine as heating energy into the vehicle interior. If the heat exchanger is defective, the consequences can be uncomfortable to dramatic, as there is the possibility of a loss of cooling water, which in the long run can lead to an overheated engine and resulting engine damage.
When and how to check the heat exchanger and what are the symptoms of a defect?
In general, symptoms of heat exchanger damage can develop gradually or suddenly. If the heat exchanger is defective or leaking, it is usually noticed very quickly even by a layman:
- Fluctuating temperature display
- Continuous loss of cooling water
- Steam from the ventilation system
- Increase in air humidity inside the vehicle (e.g. B. windows fogging up)
- It does not get warm even when the heating is turned up
If you notice one or more of the above-mentioned signs of a defect, you should consult an automotive expert as soon as possible.
Causes of a heat exchanger defect
Because the heat exchanger is a component that is susceptible to problems, there are correspondingly different causes for a defect, including the following:
- Improper repair or cleaning
- Possible clogging due to the use of radiator sealant or the flushing out of dirty cooling water
- Cooling water has not been replaced for a long period of time
How long does it take to replace the heat exchanger and what is done??
The automotive professional often checks the entire cooling system of the vehicle for leaks, as it is often not obvious where exactly the defect actually lies, despite clear symptoms. This analysis often includes the dismantling of various surrounding components in order to be able to replace the heat exchanger. Here it depends above all on which vehicle model is driven. A correspondingly large amount of time must be planned for replacement. If the defect has not led to consequential damage under the dashboard and no further damage was noticed during the removal of other components, a repair time of around 2 ½ to 4 hours should be allowed for. Before the repair, of course, the old coolant is drained, then disposed of and finally replaced after the heat exchanger is replaced.
What does a new heat exchanger cost and how to change it??
Because the cost of the work and materials cannot be lumped together for every model of vehicle, the associated costs vary. The majority of the price is due to the labor costs of the specialist.
In general, you should expect prices between 150 and 400 €. It is certainly a good idea to compare the estimates of several garages in order to choose the best offer.