When Can You Turn on the Heater After Starting the Car?

[VanEverly]

You need to wait until the engine's coolant temperature reaches the standard level before turning on the heater after starting the car. This usually takes about five to ten minutes. More details are as follows: 1. Do not turn on the heater immediately after entering the car. Wait until the car is started and the coolant temperature reaches the normal level. 2. The car's heating system relies on the engine, especially in winter. If the car is started cold, the engine temperature is very low. Turning on the heater before the engine warms up will not only blow out cold air but also hinder the engine's temperature rise. 3. If the engine's coolant temperature hasn't risen, the low temperature can reduce the performance of the engine and other components, increasing the car's driving burden and naturally raising fuel consumption. 4. Most cars today use a water-based heating system, while some high-end models combine water heating with a PTC heater. The heater temperature should not be too high; around 20°C is the most comfortable for the human body.