Does the Car Heater Consume Fuel?

[StLola]

The car heater does not consume fuel. The working principle of the car heating system is completely different from that of the cooling system. The cooling system requires the activation of the air conditioning compressor, whose operation relies on the engine to provide energy, thus directly leading to an increase in fuel consumption. In contrast, the heating system does not activate the air conditioning compressor. The heat felt inside the car comes from the heat released during the engine's operation. This heat would be dissipated to the outside by the cooling system even if it were not utilized. Winter is the season for using the heater. Before this period, the heating system is often neglected for a long time. Although structurally simpler than the air conditioning system, it can still develop faults. For example, the antifreeze in the heater hoses may become stagnant and clog the circulation pipes over time, making regular maintenance necessary.