Does Using Car Air Conditioning in Winter Consume More Fuel?
1 Answers
Using the car heater while driving in winter does not consume extra fuel because the warmth inside the car is provided by the vehicle's cooling system, which is unrelated to the engine's RPM or power output. However, fuel consumption does occur if the car is parked with the heater running while occupants enjoy the warmth. The principle is explained as follows: When the heater is turned on while driving, the warm air from the vents comes from the heat generated by the engine. After the coolant circulates and cools the engine, the high-temperature coolant passes through a heat exchange valve, flows into the heater core, and releases heat. As the coolant dissipates heat, the fan blows the warm air through the vents, creating the warm air inside the car.