Rajan Wilcox
In cold weather, it is tempting to idle your car to warm up the engine before driving. However, this is a waste of time, fuel, and money, and it increases wear and tear on the engine. Instead, start driving as soon as possible, as the engine will warm up faster with your foot on the pedal. The heat generated by the engine is distributed through the heater core to warm the cabin, so you can use your heater without using up too much fuel. To quickly heat up your car, point the warm air at your chest first, then at your feet.
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What You'll Learn
How car heaters use fuel
Car heaters do not directly use fuel to function. They use the heat generated by the engine, which is already running and consuming fuel. However, the heater does require some electricity to function, which comes from the car's battery, and the battery is charged using fuel. Therefore, using the heater does result in a small amount of additional fuel consumption, but this is minimal and will not noticeably affect fuel economy.
When a car engine is running, it creates heat. This heat is usually dispersed to the outside air through the radiator and coolant. The water pump pushes the coolant through the cooling system, including the heater core. The evaporator housing, located behind the dashboard, has a blend door that determines whether the air goes through the heater core or the air conditioning evaporator.
The heater core is part of a system that serves two roles: heating the cabin of the car and keeping the engine cool. Most of the heat generated by the engine is expelled through the exhaust system, but some is channelled to the coolant that flows within the car's HVAC system. The heater pulls heat from the engine, so it takes time for the engine to warm up, and this warm-up period can temporarily affect fuel efficiency, especially during short trips. During this time, the engine may consume more fuel, but once the car is at the correct temperature, using the heater does not add to fuel consumption.
In electric cars, the heating system uses electricity from the battery, which can reduce the car's driving range. This is a significant difference from petrol cars, where the heating is powered by waste heat from the engine, and only a small amount of additional fuel is used to power the fan that blows the heat inside the car.
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How to save petrol when heating your car
While heating your car does use fuel, it is not a significant amount. The heater recycles heat that is already being used to power the car from the engine, so the extra fuel used by the heater is negligible. However, there are several other ways to save petrol when heating your car.
Firstly, limit the use of air conditioning, as it increases fuel consumption more than a car heater. Air conditioning uses a compressor connected to the belt of your car's engine, which consumes energy and, in turn, more fuel. On a hot day, using the air conditioner can reduce a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25%. Instead, open the windows and dress according to the weather to avoid unnecessary fuel usage.
Secondly, maintain your vehicle regularly. This includes changing the oil, replacing air filters, and ensuring your tyres are inflated and rotated properly. Different types of tyres have varying rolling resistances, which can affect your fuel economy. Additionally, check your tyre pressure and ensure it is within the ideal range, as specified in your car handbook.
Thirdly, drive efficiently by maintaining a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration, hard braking, and sudden stops. When driving at high speeds, close the windows and, if possible, avoid using air conditioning to reduce fuel consumption. When driving at low speeds, turn off the air conditioning and open the windows instead.
Finally, reduce any unnecessary additional loads in your vehicle, such as roof racks or other accessories when not in use, as they can decrease your fuel economy.
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How electric cars are heated
Electric cars do not have engines, so they must use specially designed heating systems. The most common type of heating in electric cars is an electric heater connected to a blower, which runs electricity through a conductor to produce heat. This is known as resistive heating. Air is then blown through the heating element and into the cabin. However, resistive heating uses a lot of energy, which can drastically reduce the car's efficiency and range.
Another type of heating in electric cars is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, which works similarly to resistive heaters but with a key difference. PTC heaters get hot quickly when the current is first applied, but as the temperature rises, the current pull decreases, and the electrical resistance increases to prevent overheating. This makes them more efficient than resistive heaters.
A third option for heating electric cars is through a heat pump, which draws in outside air, compresses it, and uses a condenser to raise the temperature in either the battery or the car's interior. Heat pumps can also be used for cooling, making them a favourable alternative to traditional resistive heating. They are more efficient and put less strain on the battery, although they may be harder to fix if something goes wrong.
To reduce the impact of heating on an electric car's range, it is recommended to preheat the car's interior before driving, either by plugging it into a charger or parking it in a sunny location. Keeping the car in a garage, especially when warming it up, can also help reduce the energy consumption. While driving, turning on the economy mode and setting the interior temperature to the lowest level or opting for no heating can also minimise the energy used by the heating system.
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How to heat your car without using fuel
There are several ways to heat your car without using fuel. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay warm:
First, if possible, park your car in a garage or covered space. This will shield your car from the cold and wind, and it will be a few degrees warmer than if it were left outside. Additionally, always cover your vehicle after parking, especially if you expect a cold night. Car covers insulate your vehicle and slow down the loss of heat, so when you start driving, your car will retain some warmth.
If you know you will be driving in cold weather, prepare by bringing blankets, preferably made of wool as it is a good insulator. You can also purchase heated seat covers or install seat heat pads, which are budget-friendly and can quickly warm you up while driving. If you are crafty, you can make a DIY hot sock or rice bag. Fill a sock with rice, tie-dye it, and heat it in the microwave before putting it on your lap or under your coat.
If you are worried about your windows frosting over, a windshield cover will keep snow and ice off your windshield and provide some insulation. You can also buy a portable car heater that plugs into your car's power socket and directs heat to the front, top, and around the car. A heated steering wheel cover is another option to keep your hands warm while driving.
Finally, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. Wear thick socks, gloves, and a hat, as your head can lose up to 50% of your body heat in cold weather.
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How the engine impacts fuel usage
The engine is a crucial component in determining a vehicle's fuel usage and efficiency. Firstly, the design and size of the engine impact fuel consumption. For instance, a larger engine will generally have higher fuel consumption due to requiring more power. Conversely, a smaller, turbocharged engine can lower fuel consumption by 2 to 6% as it forces air into the engine's cylinders, allowing it to produce the same power as a larger standard engine. Similarly, modern technologies like Cylinder Deactivation Systems (CDS) can further reduce fuel consumption by shutting down half the cylinders when less power is needed, and reactivating them when more power is required.
The condition and maintenance of an engine also play a significant role in fuel usage. A poorly maintained engine with issues such as worn spark plugs, clogged air filters, or dirty engine oil can lead to incomplete combustion and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, ensuring the use of the correct grade of engine oil is essential, as the wrong viscosity can increase friction and stress on the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Furthermore, the engine's performance is closely linked to fuel efficiency. Frequent short trips, particularly in cold weather, can negatively impact fuel economy as the engine operates most efficiently when fully warmed up. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and speeding, can also increase fuel consumption by forcing the engine to work harder.
Finally, the engine's efficiency is influenced by the quality of fuel and the presence of certain technologies. Low-quality fuel may require larger quantities to power the engine, while fuel with ethanol blends can slightly decrease fuel economy. On the other hand, modern engine management systems and eco-modes in some vehicles can optimize performance for better fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Your car heater does use fuel to operate, but it recycles heat that is already being used to power the car from the engine, so the extra fuel used by the heater won't be excessive. The heat is generated from the engine, which is already running, so there's no extra fuel burned for heating.
Firstly, you should turn on the defroster to help clear the windows. Then, once you're driving, point the warm air at your chest to warm yourself up as quickly as possible. After that, point the heat at your feet, as heat rises, so the whole car will stay warm.
To improve fuel efficiency, you should limit the use of air conditioning and heating, and instead, open windows and dress accordingly. You should also maintain your vehicle by changing the oil, replacing air filters, and ensuring your tires are inflated.
