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The HVAC Heater Core is a vital component of your vehicle's heating and defrosting system. It functions like a mini-radiator, using hot engine coolant that circulates through a series of small tubes and fins. As a fan blows air across the core's surface, the heat is transferred from the coolant to the air, which is then directed into the vehicle's cabin. A common sign of a failing heater core is a distinctive sweet, syrupy smell inside the car, caused by leaking coolant. Other symptoms include a lack of heat from the vents, persistent window fogging, or visible fluid on the passenger side floorboard. A functional heater core is not only essential for comfort in cold weather but also for safety, as it's required for defrosting the windshield and ensuring clear visibility.