Q: why is my windows fogging up and i smell antifreeze

asked by on November 29, 2016

i can turn on my heat and my front windsheld starts to fog up and i start to smell anitfreeze
My car has an automatic transmission.

It has been my experience that this is normally a sign that a heater core has gone bad. It starts leaking coolant into the heater box, underneath the dash. When the heater is turned on, the air moving through the box will collect the coolant and deposit it onto the windows, and thus is why you smell the coolant. Also, you will normally get coolant leaking into the passenger side floorboard, or you may see coolant under the vehicle, near where the drain tube exits underneath the firewall area. To verify the leak, it would be best to have a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com, perform a cooling system pressure test and confirm where the coolant is leaking.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Hood can’t stay shut
As far as I know, all vehicles meant to be used in the United States should have a double latch system. These systems have a primary latch which holds the hood down all the way and is released by the...
How do I use the auxiliary box?
While your car has a glove box that provides substantial storage for important paperwork, manuals and other items, it also includes an auxiliary box above the glove box. It’s smaller and provides more limited room, but still offers important storage...
How do the driver and passenger front dual-stage air bags work?
Your car offers some pretty advanced safety technology, including dual-stage front air bags for both the driver and the front passenger. These are different from older air bags in that they can inflate to different degrees. This is an important...
Warning lights and loss of power
When the EML light comes on there could be a range of issues from big to small. The main issue with this is that when the vehicle sets this light, it will also put the car into a limp home...
Battery is good, but car won't start
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1992 Oldsmobile Toronado. My guess is that the problem is in the security system. The PASS key module looks for the resistor pellet on the side of the key. If it determines...
Long crank time, low idle, and poor to no acceleration.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to offer my insight. I would suggest checking the idle air control module (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-idle-control-valve). If the motor is starving for air (similar to an engine being choked at normal operating temp),...
Why my infotainment automatically turns off every 10 minutes even while driving?
I believe this issue would be related to the control unit itself or your settings inside the unit. Although unlikely, it is possible that there is a setting that makes the radio turn off at specified intervals that you can...
Why does my 2007 GMC Sierra Classic shifts from 1st gear to overdrive?
Hello. Most of the time this is caused by a pressure issue within the transmission. It can also occur of there is a major internal failure as that is what the computer does to try and protect the transmission. I...
where is crankshaft position sensor located on 2012 vw cc 2.0
The crankshaft sensor is located near rear of motor on the left rear side of the engine.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKS
The The 2012 Lincoln MKS offers a roomy interior with high-end features that deliver a luxury driving experience. Available with two different V6 engines, both of which offer power, and a cabin that deadens outside sound, you’ll be able to...
How Long Does an AC Compressor Last?
As long as your car is running the way it should, you probably don’t even think about all the parts that are working...
How Long Does a Thermostat Last?
No No matter what kind of car or truck you drive, it has a thermostat in it. This thermostat is responsible for monitoring and regulating the coolant temperature in your vehicle's engine. If you were to look at the thermostat...