Does Car Heating Use Fuel?
If you’re looking for ways to save petrol, you might find yourself wondering ‘does my car heater use fuel?’. We’re here to clear up whether or not using your car heater is actually using fuel, and exactly how much it’s using.
The answer is yes, your car heater does use fuel to operate. But it recycles heat which is already being used to power the car from the engine, so the extra fuel used by the heaters won’t be an excessive amount.
How does a car heater work?
The car heater acquires its heat from the car’s cooling system, which is generated when the car engine is turned on. Once you have been driving your vehicle for a few minutes and the engine begins to heat up. Then the coolant will be diverted to the heater core inside the cabin, and heat will be generated.
The petrol consumption will come from the electricity that the heater uses to operate. The heater instructs an internal fan to spin so that the hot air can be sucked in from the engine and blown inside your vehicle in order to heat up the cabin.
Will turning off the heater save fuel?
If you’re looking to save petrol, unfortunately turning off your car heater is likely to not make a noticeable difference. Take a look at our blog, What will improve fuel consumption: fuel efficiency tips, for some great tips on how to improve fuel efficiency.
Does aircon use petrol?
Air conditioning does increase fuel consumption, more significantly than a car heater. Air-con uses a compressor connected to the belt of your car’s engine. This uses energy, meaning more fuel is used.
Do heated seats use fuel?
Heated car seats, along with other car parts, draw power from your alternator, which increases petrol use and decreases fuel economy.
How can I save fuel while driving?
- Drive smoothly – avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking to improve fuel efficiency
- Maintain a steady speed – avoid speeding and anticipate traffic
- Lighten the load – remove excess weight from the vehicle and remove roof racks and other accessories when they’re not being used
- Limit aircon and heating use – open windows and dress accordingly to avoid fuel usage
- Keep your vehicle maintained – change the oil, replace air filters and make sure tyres are inflated
- Drive in high gears – shift gears up early and avoid revving too much
- Turn off the engine – where possible stop the engine running. Use start-stop technology if it is available
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