* Overheating: Loss of coolant can cause the engine to overheat, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
* Reduced braking: In some cars, the heater core is part of the cooling system that also feeds the power brake booster. A leak can compromise braking ability.
* Interior damage: The coolant leaking into the cabin is corrosive and can damage upholstery, carpets, and electronics. It can also be a health hazard if inhaled or ingested.
* Further leaks: Patching a heater core leak is extremely difficult and usually impossible without removing the core. Any attempt might worsen the leak or create others.
While you might find suggestions online about using stop-leak products, these are generally unreliable for heater core leaks and frequently cause more problems than they solve by clogging smaller passages in the cooling system.
Your best bet is to:
1. Minimize the use of the heater: Turn it off completely. This will slow down the leak and reduce the amount of coolant lost.
2. Monitor your coolant level: Check it frequently. If you lose coolant quickly, your car is unsafe to drive.
3. Save up for the repair: A heater core replacement is a relatively expensive repair, but significantly cheaper than a new engine or the extensive interior damage that can result from ignoring the problem.
4. Consider alternative transportation: Borrow a car, use public transport, ride-sharing, or cycling until you can afford the repair.
Attempting a temporary fix is highly discouraged because of the risks involved. The cost of a professional repair is far less than the potential costs associated with a more serious failure caused by driving with a leaking heater core.
