Can the car heater be turned on without starting the engine?
2 Answers
Car heater cannot be turned on without starting the engine, the reasons are: 1. It will cause the battery to discharge without being charged, damaging the battery; 2. The heater supply lines may burn out without current. The correct method to turn on the car heater is: 1. Start the engine and wait for the temperature gauge to reach the middle position; 2. Turn on the heater and set the air circulation to external circulation to expel cold air from the cabin; 3. After 2-3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. The functions of car air conditioning are: 1. Regulate cabin temperature, humidity, airflow direction and speed, and improve air quality through filters; 2. Provide a comfortable environment for passengers and reduce travel fatigue.
I remember trying this last winter when my car broke down on the roadside. The heater relies on engine heat. Without starting the engine, you can only turn on the blower to blow some natural air. The dashboard lights up, and you can press the fan speed buttons freely, but the air from the vents remains chilly. Especially in sub-zero weather, sitting in the car waiting for someone, blowing air for half an hour not only doesn’t warm you up but also makes your hands freeze. By the way, doing this drains the battery heavily—last time, I almost ran out of battery and had to call for roadside assistance. If you really need warmth, it’s better to bring a blanket or call for roadside assistance in advance. Using the AC while the engine is off is only good as an air circulator at best.
