How to Turn on the Heater in a Car?
3 Answers
The method to turn on the heater in a car is: 1. Start the car; 2. Turn off the AC; 3. Wait until the water temperature rises to the normal level; 4. Turn the knob to the red zone to activate the heating mode. Precautions for using the car heater: 1. Wait for 3 to 5 minutes after starting the car until the water temperature reaches the normal level before turning on the heater; 2. Do not press the AC button when the heater is on to avoid increasing fuel consumption and hindering the rise of interior temperature; 3. Avoid using the external circulation mode when the heater is on—switch to internal circulation to raise the interior temperature more quickly; 4. Turn off the heater or slightly open the window when parking for a long time to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
When driving in winter, my first consideration is turning on the heater. After starting the vehicle, don't rush to turn on the AC. Wait until the engine temperature rises. Observe the coolant temperature gauge needle reaching the middle position—only then can you turn on the heater. Rotate the temperature control knob to the red zone or increase the temperature value on the electronic panel, and adjust the fan switch to a suitable setting. Remember to turn off the AC button because the heater doesn't require the refrigeration compressor. It's best to set the air vent direction to blow both at the feet and the windshield, ensuring warmth while preventing fogging. In my car, I can even set a timed warm-up on the central control screen, automatically preheating the cabin before heading out in the morning.
After driving for over a decade, I've learned a few tricks for using the heater effectively. First, let the engine warm up—the ideal coolant temperature is around 80 degrees Celsius. For manual AC, turn the temperature knob to the hottest setting; for automatic AC, press AUTO and then increase the temperature setting. Remember, never turn on the AC light—it wastes fuel and reduces heating efficiency. My routine is to start with external circulation for two minutes to expel cold air from the cabin before switching to internal circulation. Air vent direction is crucial—in winter, it's best to direct airflow downward toward the feet, as warm air naturally rises, heating the entire cabin faster. Always turn off the blower before shutting off the engine to prevent condensation buildup and odors.
