How Long to Warm Up the Car in Winter Before Turning on the Heater?

[StephenLee]

In winter, warm up the car for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and wait until the coolant reaches the normal operating temperature before turning on the heater. Precautions for using the heater: Open the windows slightly: Leaving the heater on for extended periods while parked can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, avoid directing the air vents toward occupants when using the heater. It's advisable to crack the windows slightly, use a car humidifier, or place a damp towel inside the vehicle. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water. Preheat before turning on the heater: Do not turn on the heater immediately after starting the car. Without proper engine warm-up, the heater will be ineffective and consume excessive electricity. First, start the engine and allow it to warm up. Once the engine temperature rises, then turn on the heater. Initially, set the system to external air circulation to expel all the cold air from the cabin. Then, switch to internal air circulation for more efficient heating.

[EmilianoAnn]

In winter, the warm-up time is quite crucial when I drive. I usually let the engine idle for about 30 seconds to a minute after starting it, which is enough time for the oil to lubricate all parts. Then I drive out slowly and wait until the temperature gauge starts to rise to the middle position before turning on the heater. If I turn on the heater too early, it blows out cold air, which is not only uncomfortable but also wastes gasoline unnecessarily, as the engine has to burn more fuel to warm up. I've tried this with different cars and found that the heater is very ineffective before the engine warms up; but after waiting for about 5 minutes, the air becomes warm immediately. The principle is simple: the heater relies on the engine's heat to warm the air—where would the heat come from when the engine is cold? However, don't idle for too long; it's most practical to drive off after 20 seconds and then wait for the temperature to rise. This method is efficient, doesn't harm the car, and is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Nowadays, pure electric or hybrid vehicles are becoming popular, and they warm up faster, but the principle is the same—only turn on the heater when the engine reaches the right temperature.

[DelLaila]

The heating system relies on the heat from the engine's coolant. If you turn on the heater immediately after a cold start, it will draw out the residual heat from the engine, slowing down the warming process and increasing fuel consumption. The optimal time to activate the heater is after the engine reaches its operating temperature, typically around 80°C coolant temperature. After starting, I recommend idling for about a minute to allow the lubricating oil to circulate, then driving at low speed until the coolant temperature gauge indicates the normal range before turning on the heater. This helps avoid unnecessary engine strain and prolongs engine life. Checking the coolant level is also crucial, as low levels reduce heat exchange efficiency. Many drivers mistakenly believe that longer idling is better, resulting in wasted fuel and increased pollution, whereas warming up the engine while driving is actually more efficient. Combined with regular maintenance, such as cleaning the heater ducts, this ensures smooth system operation and enhances winter driving comfort.

[VanKingston]

From an energy-saving perspective, the timing of warming up the car and turning on the heater in winter matters. For optimal fuel efficiency, keep the warm-up time short—start driving within 30 seconds after ignition and turn on the heater when the coolant temperature reaches around 40°C. Turning it on too early when the engine is cold results in poor heating performance and wasted energy. Modern cars are designed to warm up quickly, and prolonged idling only wastes fuel and pollutes the air. My habit is to start driving slowly immediately after ignition and turn on the low-speed heater once the coolant warms up slightly—this avoids extended warm-up while ensuring quick comfort. This method reduces carbon emissions, making it both eco-friendly and practical.

[LukeAnn]

Safety-wise, insufficiently warming up the car before turning on the heater can cause cold air to fog up windows, leading to blurred vision and danger. I warm up the engine for half a minute after starting, ensuring initial heating before activating the external circulation heater to assist in defogging. Once the water temperature stabilizes at around 80 degrees, I increase the fan speed to ensure even heat distribution. Turning on the heater prematurely introduces moisture that fogs the glass, affecting reaction time. Remember to regularly check if the heater is functioning properly to prevent safety risks from malfunctions. Combine this with a gradual start to ensure a smooth and safe warm-up process.