
Method to turn on the heater in the New Excelle: 1. For manual air conditioning, if the AC indicator is lit, press the AC button to turn off the cooling switch; 2. Rotate the temperature control dial to increase the temperature. The temperature adjustment range of the control dial is 18 to 32 degrees Celsius. Do not set the temperature lower than the outside temperature, otherwise it may result in incorrect temperature control; 3. Press the fan speed switch to adjust the appropriate air outlet speed. The Excelle is a mid-size car launched by SAIC General Motors. In terms of appearance, the Buick New Excelle adopts the brand's new family-style winged chrome grille, making the front face look sharper and more rugged. The combination of black piano vertical grille and high-brightness chrome winged grille focuses the visual center of the front on the logo. In terms of power, the Buick New Excelle introduces General Motors' new generation 1.3T and 1.0T dual-injection turbocharged engines for the first time. These two highly efficient and intelligent engines, which incorporate leading power technologies, are developed based on a new architecture and adopt multiple innovative technologies including dual-injection fuel injection and small-inertia turbochargers.

The most annoying thing about driving in winter is the icy cold seats and steering wheel, but turning on the heater in the Excelle is actually super simple. First, start the engine and wait for the temperature gauge needle on the dashboard to move—don’t rush to turn on the heater, wait at least three to five minutes. Turn the temperature knob all the way to the right; the red zone indicates the highest temperature. Then, look for the fan speed button on the center console—press or twist it once, and warm air will start blowing out. If the first speed isn’t warm enough, switch to the second or third speed. Just make sure not to press the A/C button—the green light means it’s in cooling mode, which wastes fuel. Adjust the vents to blow toward your feet or both feet and the front for the most comfort, keeping your steering wheel from freezing. Keeping the air recirculation off a bit helps prevent window fogging. If the windshield frosts over, first switch to defrost mode for a while before adjusting back. I used this method all last winter, and my fuel costs didn’t increase much.

The Excelle's heating system doesn't require AC activation as the engine provides sufficient warmth. Turn the key to ignition position, wait for the tachometer to stabilize and observe the coolant temperature gauge - usually when the needle passes the first quarter mark, it's ready to operate. Rotate the temperature knob (right side) clockwise to the red H zone, illuminate the fan icon on the climate control panel, then adjust fan speed using +/- buttons. For face-level airflow, select the upper-body directional icon; for footwell heating, choose the lower icon. Remember the windshield defroster operates via a dedicated front-defrost button. If heating fails, check coolant level and thermostat - I once had a radiator leak that only blew cold air. During warm-up, keep the air recirculation off for ventilation, as sealed cabins may cause CO2 buildup and drowsiness. Those who've replaced cabin air filters should ensure correct installation to maintain airflow efficiency.

The heating operation logic of the Excelle is quite simple: After starting the vehicle, wait until the coolant temperature reaches the normal range. Turn the temperature control to the right into the red zone for heating, then press the fan button. A fan speed of 2-3 is recommended, as higher settings can be noisy. Avoid using the AUTO button for automatic adjustment, as it may mistakenly activate the air conditioning compressor. Selecting the foot-level air distribution mode is the most practical, as warm air rises and evenly warms the entire cabin. In winter, turn off the heating and open the windows for ventilation before exiting the vehicle to prevent fogging caused by temperature differences. If the windshield fogs up, press the defrost button for clear visibility in about three minutes. The manufacturer recommends checking the cabin air filter every 5,000 kilometers, as a clogged filter can reduce heating efficiency.

Every time the temperature drops, I follow this routine: Start the car and wait for the coolant temperature light to go off (about 90 seconds), then turn the temperature knob all the way to the red zone. Set the fan to speed 2 and press the 'mode' button on the AC panel to select foot vent mode. Here's the key! Right after starting, use the external air circulation to bring in cold air for faster heating, then switch to internal circulation once the cabin is warm to retain heat. Don't press the AC button, as the compressor working will only increase fuel consumption. If the windshield frosts over, simply press the MAX defrost button (the one with the fan symbol). Once, when driving in sub-zero temperatures, I noticed weak airflow from the left vent—turned out the filter was clogged with leaves. Now I regularly clean the leaves under the wipers. When the heater gets too hot to the touch, I turn it back slightly; around 26°C is most comfortable and fuel-efficient. In the humid south, occasionally turn on the AC for about ten minutes to dehumidify before switching it off.

The warm air in the Excelle relies on engine waste heat, making it exclusive to fuel-powered vehicles. After a cold start, patiently wait for the coolant temperature gauge to rise, then turn the temperature knob to the red zone to activate the heat source. Press the fan button to illuminate it and adjust the fan speed to 1-4 levels, with level 2 recommended for a quiet and warm experience. Avoid directing the airflow straight at your face, as it can dry out your eyes and cause discomfort. Instead, adjust it to the leg and foot mode for a more even comfort. Note for friends in northern regions: In sub-zero temperatures, turn on the maximum fan speed for half a minute after starting the car to prevent frost blockage in the ducts. Real-world tests show that using the heater throughout a 25-minute drive consumes 0.3 liters more fuel than using the air conditioning. It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter annually. Genuine parts from 4S stores are more expensive than aftermarket ones online but offer better sealing. Occasionally open the windows for ventilation to avoid high carbon dioxide levels, which can lead to drowsy driving.


