Should You Turn on AC When Using Car Heater?

2 Answers
ClaraMarie
07/29/25 2:48am
When using the car heater, you should not turn on the AC. The AC button activates the compressor, which is the machine that pressurizes the refrigerant (Freon). Introduction to AC: AC is the cooling button, which is the most energy-consuming and fuel-intensive function of the air conditioning system. The hot air from the car's heating system does not require "cooling" at all, as the car can utilize the heat generated by the engine to produce warm air. Precautions for Using the Heater: Avoid directing the heater airflow straight at your face. Prolonged exposure to direct heat can cause driver fatigue, compromising driving safety, and may also lead to drier skin. Slightly open the window to ensure air circulation. Although you can adjust between internal and external air circulation, it is recommended to crack open a window slightly when using the heater for extended periods to maintain oxygen levels inside the car and keep the driver alert.
Was this review help?
17
3
Share
OPatrick
08/12/25 6:43am
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe it's usually wisest not to turn on the AC when using the heater. The heating system utilizes waste heat from the engine to warm the cabin. If you activate the AC, the compressor will engage to compress refrigerant, needlessly increasing engine load and fuel consumption. Since you don't need cooling in winter, why waste fuel? However, there's an exception: during humid rainy days or after snowfall when windows fog up, turning on the AC quickly removes moisture and clears fog - safety first. I once forgot to do this on the highway and nearly had an accident. Normally, operation is simple - just set the temperature and turn on the fan; the air will automatically warm as the temperature rises. When fogging occurs, press the AUTO or AC button for a few seconds to dehumidify before turning it off - it's effortless, worry-free and safe.
Was this review help?
20
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What are the dimensions of the Tiggo 7?

The 2020 Tiggo 7 measures 4500 mm in length, 1842 mm in width, and 1746 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2670 mm. The 2019 and 2018 models of the Tiggo 7 measure 4470 mm in length, 1837 mm in width, and 1670 mm in height, also with a wheelbase of 2670 mm. Relevant details are as follows: Exterior: The 2020 Tiggo 7 features a starry night grille design for a stylish look, while the latter comes with a high-gloss black radial grille. Details such as the mirrors and roof are finished in black elements, enhancing the sporty appearance. The side profile of the new-generation Tiggo 7 adopts a completely new design compared to the current model, with sharp waistlines and a floating roof design, making the side profile appear more fluid and dynamic. Interior: The new-generation Tiggo 7 continues with a cockpit-style tech cabin similar to the Tiggo 8, offering three interior color combinations to choose from. Additionally, the new model is equipped with a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an 8-inch air-conditioning touchscreen, further enhancing the interior's premium feel. Features: The new Tiggo 7 family will come with a rich array of intelligent driving assistance features, including ACC adaptive cruise control, AEB automatic emergency braking, 360-degree parking camera, DOW door opening warning system, FAPA panoramic detection automatic parking system, and 20 other ADAS functions, enabling L2-level driving assistance. Powertrain: The new Tiggo 7 family offers two powertrain options. The new-generation Tiggo 7 is powered by a SQRE4T15C 1.5T inline-four engine, delivering a maximum power of 156 horsepower and peak torque of 230 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a new CVT that can simulate 9 speeds.
16
0
Share

How to Turn Off the Seat Belt Warning Sound?

Seat belt warning sounds cannot be turned off with a button unless you fasten the seat belt or insert a seat belt buckle, which will naturally stop the sound. Here is some related information about seat belts: 1. Product Categories: High-altitude work type, semi-full-body type, bungee equipment type, automotive type. 2. Function: The function of an automotive seat belt is to instantly tighten and secure the passenger firmly in the seat when a vehicle collision occurs or during emergency braking, preventing secondary collisions. Once the tightening force exceeds a certain limit, the force-limiting device will appropriately loosen the belt to maintain stable chest pressure. Therefore, automotive seat belts serve to restrain movement and absorb impact energy, mitigating inertia and reducing or preventing injuries to passengers. Automotive accident investigations show that wearing a seat belt can reduce fatalities by 57% in frontal collisions, 44% in side collisions, and 80% in rollovers.
12
0
Share

What needs to be replaced during the second vehicle maintenance?

For the second maintenance of a car, the following items need to be replaced: engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and cabin air filter. The items that need to be inspected include: tire side slip condition, brake function and pedal clearance, clutch clearance and clutch fluid level, steering wheel clearance, air conditioning system, instrument functions, power steering system, drive shaft dust cover, exhaust muffler, suspension fixing nuts (chassis inspection), tires and rims, wheel bearings, etc. Relevant information about car maintenance is as follows: 1. Introduction: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. 2. Maintenance scope: Modern car maintenance mainly includes the maintenance of the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, etc.
9
5
Share

Why Are Imported Cars in Tianjin Cheaper?

There's actually no particular reason; it's simply because they are cheaper. Here is some extended information about parallel imported cars: 1. Advantages: Car traders directly import vehicles from overseas through international trade. These cars have passed the national 3C certification and can be registered domestically. Since they are not introduced through the automakers' official channels, they do not incur high tariffs, making price affordability a natural advantage of parallel imported cars. Additionally, because these cars are produced directly overseas, they often come with rich configurations and high-quality materials. 2. Disadvantages: If the car model is unique, replacing parts in case of an accident may require importing the components, as they might not be available domestically. This can significantly increase the maintenance costs. 3. Documents required for purchasing parallel imported cars: Vehicle import certificate (customs clearance document), vehicle inspection certificate (commodity inspection), vehicle conformity certificate, vehicle purchase invoice, and import vehicle electronic information, among others.
8
3
Share

Will an electric scooter battery be damaged if left uncharged for several months?

An electric scooter battery can be damaged if left uncharged for several months. Here are some relevant introductions about batteries: 1. Lead-acid battery: The most common type is the lead-acid battery, whose electrodes are made of lead and lead oxide, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. It is inexpensive and has stable voltage, but requires frequent maintenance and has a relatively short lifespan, typically around 3 years under normal usage. 2. Maintenance-free battery: Compared to lead-acid batteries, it consumes very little electrolyte, requires almost no maintenance, and features high-temperature resistance, compact size, and low self-discharge. However, it is more expensive, costing twice as much as a lead-acid battery, and has a similar replacement cycle of around 3 years under normal conditions. 3. AGM battery: Cars equipped with auto start-stop functionality require a more robust battery to operate properly. The specialized AGM battery uses ultra-fine glass wool material, which provides stronger cyclic charging capability and a longer lifespan, lasting 4-6 years under normal usage. Additionally, this battery offers better low-temperature starting performance and more stable capacity during use, but it is the most expensive option.
16
3
Share

How Many Days in Advance Should You Book the Subject 3 Test?

For applying to book the Subject 3 test, applicants can make a reservation about ten days in advance. If the booking is successful, the vehicle management office or test center will send a notification within about a week, informing the test time and location. Candidates should attend the test on time. Here is an introduction to the content of the Subject 3 test: 1. The road driving skills test for Subject 3 generally includes: Vehicle preparation, light simulation test, starting, driving in a straight line, gear shifting operations, changing lanes, pulling over, going straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. 2. The safety and civilized driving knowledge test generally includes: Requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like tire blowouts, and post-accident handling knowledge.
20
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.