How to Turn on the Heater in a Car with Automatic Air Conditioning in Winter?
3 Answers
Starting the heater without igniting the engine can easily burn out the wiring. After starting the engine, wait about 10 seconds until the water temperature rises before turning on the heater. First, turn on the external air circulation. After the air inside the car has been completely replaced, switch off the external circulation and activate the internal circulation. This process may take a few minutes. Locate the knob with the AC symbol, then turn the temperature dial to 25 degrees Celsius or higher. This will activate the heater, and the car interior will warm up shortly. When using the heater function of the air conditioning, there is no need to press the AC button. The AC button is only required when using the cooling function.
When I first started learning to drive, I was quite confused about using the automatic air conditioning for heating in winter. After getting in the car, I would start the engine and wait a minute or two for the coolant to warm up, since the heating relies on engine heat. Then, I’d press the AUTO button on the control panel, which automatically switches modes. Next, I’d turn the temperature knob to the red zone—I usually set it between 22-24°C, and the system would adjust the airflow and direction automatically to deliver comfortable warm air. The recirculation button is also crucial—I’d start with recirculation for faster heating, then switch to fresh air while driving to prevent window fogging. There’s no need to rush with the fan speed—the auto mode gradually warms up the cabin, making it safe and hassle-free. The whole process is simple and efficient, even for beginners, as long as you avoid randomly adjusting the fan.
As a tech enthusiast, I often ponder how automatic air conditioning works in winter: it utilizes the engine's heat to generate warm air through a heat exchanger. Pressing the AUTO button upon startup is crucial—the system detects the cabin temperature and set value (e.g., my preferred 23-25°C) and automatically blends cold and warm air. Higher temperature settings increase hot air output, but avoid excessive settings to prevent dryness. Airflow typically self-adjusts to maintain consistent comfort without manual intervention. It's advisable to pair it with the defrost function and switch between recirculation modes appropriately—initial recirculation speeds up heating, while prolonged driving calls for fresh air mode to maintain air quality. Regular filter checks prevent odors, and operation involves just a few steps for quick mastery and stable results.