What's involved
What this repair actually is.
Heater hoses carry hot coolant from the engine to the heater core behind the dashboard and back. They fail the same way radiator hoses do — cracking, swelling, or leaking at the fittings — but they often run through tighter spaces near the firewall. We replace the failed hose or quick-connect fitting, refill the coolant, and bleed the system.
Symptoms
How you can tell.
- Coolant leaking near the firewall or back of the engine bay
- Sweet smell coming through the vents
- Heater suddenly stopped blowing warm
- Steam from the rear of the engine compartment
- Coolant level dropping with drips under the middle of the car
If you delay
A burst heater hose empties the cooling system quickly and can leave you stranded with an overheated engine.
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
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