Does Using the Heater in Winter Increase Fuel Consumption in Cars?
1 Answers
Yes, using the heater in winter does increase fuel consumption to some extent. During cold weather, the engine temperature is low, and turning on the heater immediately after starting the engine can lead to higher fuel usage. More details are as follows: 1. Small circulation state: In winter, to maintain the interior temperature, the engine mostly operates in a small circulation state. 2. When the heater is turned on: The cold air inside the car quickly flows over the surface of the heat exchanger, effectively adding an efficient radiator to the engine's cooling circulation system. Especially when the external circulation is activated, the cooling effect is significant. The car's computer will then command an increase in fuel injection and adjust the ignition timing to maintain the necessary operating temperature. Therefore, when the car's water temperature has not yet reached normal levels, it will result in increased fuel consumption.