Visibility depends on an efficient heater. The controls on some heaters are so intimidating to look at, but it’s really just a matter of choosing the right one.
On the right side of the control panel, press the auto button first. Then, using the heater controls, set the temperature you desire.
The steps are reviewed in detail in the following sections, along with a discussion of the various controls and how to fix typical car heater issues.
What is a Car Heater?
A car heater is a standard feature in every modern vehicle. The interior of the car is warmed by a car heater using the heat from the engine. A car heater’s purpose is to disperse the heat from the engine into the interior of the vehicle.
The air conditioning system in the car operates similarly, but it removes heat from the cabin rather than transferring it there. You will experience a rush of cold air when you turn on the air conditioning in your car because of this.
How to Turn on Your Car Heater?
The last thing you want while shivering in your seat is to inadvertently turn on the cold air instead of the warm air or to be forced to stare at all the dials and gauges without knowing which way will defrost your windshield and which way will worsen your visibility. Being able to effectively work your car’s heating and cooling system is essential to a comfortable and safe drive.
Thankfully, once you can identify the various dials and switches that operate your car heater, turning it on isn’t all that difficult. In fact, turning the car heater on in most cars is as simple as a three-step process:
- Turn the engine on (it may take five to ten minutes for the engine to heat up properly)
- Turn the temperature dial to a comfortable heat level
- Turn the blower motor to your desired fan level
If your car is equipped with an automatic heating and cooling system, you could be in for even less work. An automatic climate control system allows you to set temperature controls for both your warm air and cool air preferences. When activated, it will immediately blow out either hot or cold air to maintain the temperature range you specify.
To set up your automatic climate control, find and press the “AUTO” button on your car’s dash and set the preferred temperature for the entire car or for both sides of the vehicle if you have the dual climate control option. After you input the temperature range the first time, you’ll only need to hit the “AUTO” button to get the warm air kicking.
How to Manually Turn on the Car Heater?
Currently, some of the older car models on the market do not offer an automatic climate control option. Of course, some of you may prefer the manual method of operation so that you can modify the temperature of the car as your body temperature changes.
If you don’t have or don’t want to use an automatic heater and cooler, you will manually turn on the car heater instead.
This returns us to the earlier, straightforward three steps. Turn your engine on and let the vehicle idle for a few minutes to warm up. Toggle the temperature button, spin the wheel or dial, or press increase on your digital display to turn the heat up. The warm air won’t start blowing out and distributing throughout the cabin, though, until you switch on the fan and set your desired fan speed.
What Do the Different Heater Controls Do?
It’s true that many vehicle heating system controls can appear a little intimidating and complicated. But once you know what each button or dial does, using your heating controls is actually quite simple.
Temperature Controls
The temperature controls are typically visible. Many vehicles, particularly older models, have color coding: turn towards blue for cold air and red for hot air. However, cars with digital displays may skip the color coding and simply show you the actual temperature the system is set at.
There is also a chance that your vehicle comes equipped with dual temperature controls that can be customized differently for the driver’s side and the passenger’s side. Once you’ve reached the temperature you want, fiddle with the temperature controls.
Fan speed controls
The fan speed controls are possibly some of the most significant heater controls, along with the temperature toggles. The fan speed controls allow you to modify the blower motor’s fan speed, as you might have guessed. The air circulates more quickly inside a car at higher speeds.
Air Direction
The air direction directly regulates the airflow to various areas inside the car. Essentially, these controls will let you choose where you want the air to blow out from, and there are typically a few options:
- Windshield vents
- Dashboard/face vents
- Feet vents
- Face and feet vents
- Windshield and feet vents
Typically, you’ll see a picture of a person with arrows pointing in various air directions. Choose the air-blowing options that you prefer.
Recirculation Button
In-car heaters draw fresh air from the outside, pass it through a heat exchanger, and then disperse it throughout the interior. The recirculation button typically depicts a curved arrow and halts the heater system’s circulation of outside air, instead of recirculating the cabin air.
This button is especially helpful when starting to warm up your car because it will heat up partially warmed air more quickly than the chilly outside air. When the outside air quality is bad, you might also want to use the recirculation button.
Anyone who has ever gotten into their car to find foggy, misty windows understands the value of your windshield defrosters. When you turn on the defroster controls, you signal the computer of your car’s heater control module to prioritize clearing the windshield and rear windshield.
Where is the Car Heater Located?
The heater is typically found on the passenger side under the dashboard, assuming you are referring to a standard automobile.
There will be a knob that says “temp” or “temperature” that you can turn to adjust how warm or cold the air coming out of the vents is
Final Words
Certainly, a fundamental skill that every driver should know is how to turn on the heat in a car. In addition to keeping the driver and passengers warm during the winter, it also aids in defrosting the windshield and windows without allowing outside air into the vehicle or turning on the air conditioning.
FAQs
Where is the Heater Switch in a Car?
The blower motor is typically located behind the glove box or along the firewall of the engine under your hood. Check behind the panel holding the heater knobs if you are unable to locate the resistor switch anywhere close to the blower motor.
Is It Okay to Turn on Heater in Car?
Warming your car up to prevent it from freezing is not a good idea. Just long enough to buckle your seatbelt, drivers should start their engines and let them idle.
How Do Heaters Work in Cars?
The heater core, which essentially serves as a heat exchanger, receives heat from the engine through the radiator. It allows coolant to pass through, and the heater control valve controls how much coolant flows through. The heater core begins to warm up as the heat from the engine is transferred there by coolant.