How to Turn on the Car Heater in Winter?
4 Answers
Here’s how to turn on the car heater in winter: 1. Start the engine for preheating, and turn on the heating when the temperature gauge reaches the middle. 2. Set the air circulation to external circulation to let the cold air inside the car escape. After 2-3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. Precautions for using the car heater in winter: 1. In the long-term internal circulation mode of the heater, the air inside the car is not fresh, especially since the car space is limited. Therefore, it’s essential to open the windows periodically for ventilation. 2. Professionals recommend slightly opening the windows when using the heater to allow some air circulation. Enabling the convection mode can prevent dryness inside the car and improve air quality. 3. When driving, avoid directing the heater vents toward yourself, as this can dry out your skin. Additionally, bacteria in the air ducts may be blown directly at you, potentially affecting your health when inhaled.
After starting the car, let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up before turning on the heater. Rushing to use the heater won't produce warm air and could harm the engine. I usually check the temperature gauge under the hood before proceeding. In winter, it's best to wait until the coolant temperature reaches around 80°C after a cold start. Turn on the fan switch, set it to medium-low speed, and gradually increase the airflow to avoid blowing cold air directly. Adjust the temperature knob towards the red zone to warm up the cabin. Also, remember to use the external circulation mode initially to let fresh air in, which helps defog and prevents the cabin air from becoming uncomfortably dry. Switch to internal circulation once the temperature stabilizes to save energy. If the windows fog up, use the defogger immediately for safety.
In winter, warm up the car before driving in the snow. Start the engine and wait until the engine noise becomes quieter before adjusting the heater. Press the auto button or manually adjust the temperature, turning it up towards the red zone, and gradually increase the fan speed from low. I've tried using the recirculation mode to warm up quickly, but it makes the cabin stuffy and can cause drowsiness, which affects safety. It's better to start with the fresh air mode for a while before switching. Don't forget that the air conditioning system tends to accumulate dust in winter. Regularly cleaning the filter can make the heater more effective and cleaner. Directing the vents towards the feet provides more even and comfortable warmth, rather than blowing directly on the face, which can dry it out quickly. If there's a lot of frost on the windows, use warm air to defrost them in advance to avoid incomplete scraping.
When turning on the car heater, the first thing is to check for window fogging to ensure clear visibility. Start the engine and wait for it to stabilize before turning on the fan in heating mode. Set the temperature around 25 degrees Celsius to avoid excessive heat. Use a low fan speed to save energy and prevent dryness. Always activate the external air circulation, especially when first entering the car, to remove odors and moisture. If the cabin feels stuffy or the air quality is poor, use a combination of air conditioning and heating. During winter, if parked for long periods, avoid turning off the engine while using the heater and ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. A properly functioning heating system ensures driving safety and clear visibility.
