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Why does your windshield get foggy and you smell antifreeze through the heat vent?

A foggy windshield with the smell of antifreeze coming through the heat vent is typically caused by a leak in your vehicle's cooling system, specifically the heater core.

The heater core is a small radiator located inside the dashboard of your vehicle. Hot coolant flows through the heater core, and a blower motor blows air over it, which then heats the air and distributes it throughout the vehicle's cabin.

If there is a leak in the heater core, coolant can seep into the ventilation system and cause the windshield to fog up. The antifreeze smell is also a telltale sign of a heater core leak.

If you notice these symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Here are the steps to take if you think you may have a coolant leak:

- Pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine.

- Open the hood of your vehicle and look for any visible signs of a leak.

- Check the coolant reservoir for low coolant levels and leaks.

- Look under the vehicle for any drips of coolant.

- If you see any coolant leaks, call a tow truck to take your vehicle to a mechanic.

A coolant leak is a serious problem that can lead to overheating and engine damage. It's important to address it as soon as possible to prevent further problems.