How to Use the Heater in the 2021 Corolla?
3 Answers
First, enter the main driver's cabin of the car. Below the central control screen on the right side of the cabin is the air conditioning control area for this model. The button on the far left of the control area is the air conditioning power button. Press it once to turn on the air conditioning. There is also a knob on the far right, which is used to adjust the air conditioning temperature. Turning it to the right activates the heating function. Adjust the temperature for the driver's seat, and the other temperature zones will change synchronously without needing additional adjustments. After turning off the synchronization, each zone can be set separately.
Turning on the heater is quite simple. First, I start the car and wait for the engine to warm up, which takes about a minute, allowing the coolant temperature to rise. Then, I turn the temperature control knob on the center console to the red zone and press the fan button to adjust the airflow speed. Initially, I avoid setting the fan speed too high to prevent blowing cold air, which can be uncomfortable. I prefer to set the ventilation mode to external circulation first, introducing fresh air for a few minutes, and then switch to internal circulation to retain heat. This way, the car warms up quickly and saves fuel. I don’t touch the A/C button because the heater relies on the engine's residual heat, and avoiding air conditioning involvement makes it more energy-efficient. The Corolla’s heating system is well-designed, making the cabin comfortable within minutes, and the steering wheel shortcuts allow quick adjustment of the vents to prevent fogging.
In winter car usage, I'm accustomed to waiting until the engine temperature gauge reaches the midpoint before operating. Turn the temperature knob slightly more to the right, start the fan at low speed and gradually increase it to avoid cold air shock. The air circulation mode is crucial: use external circulation in the morning to eliminate odors and moisture, then switch to internal circulation to lock in warmth once it's comfortable, which is particularly fuel-efficient. The Corolla's heating system derives heat from the cooling system, so checking the coolant level is essential, with regular maintenance ensuring smooth flow. Wind speed and direction can be finely adjusted via the center console buttons – I prefer directing warm air to the footwell for a more comfortable drive.
