In winter, it is a common practice to run the heater inside the car. It helps in relieving cold and providing a comfortable driving experience. However, use of heater can also affect the mileage of the car.
There are many factors that affect the mileage of a car. These include:
Engine Load: When the heater is on, there is additional load on the engine. This is because the heating system typically uses the engine’s heat to heat the air. This additional load may increase fuel consumption.
Electrical Load: In modern cars, the heater also contributes to the electrical load. This is because the blower fan and other components draw power from the car’s electrical system. This additional electrical load may slightly reduce fuel efficiency.
Fuel Type: The effect of heater use on mileage may be more noticeable in certain vehicles or fuel systems. For example, electric cars may experience a reduction in range when using a heater, as they rely on batteries for both propulsion and heating.
Driving Conditions: If you are driving in extremely cold conditions, your engine may already be less efficient due to cold oil and increased air density. Use of heaters increases these effects. According to an estimate, in very cold conditions, continuous use of the heater can reduce fuel efficiency by about 5-10% or even more.
Efficiency of heater system: Newer cars that come with more efficient heating systems may have less impact on fuel efficiency than older cars. At the same time, some cars come with advanced systems that heat only certain parts of the car differently, thereby reducing the overall load on the engine. car heating system
maintenance: Regular maintenance of the car’s heating system such as checking and replacing the air filter can ensure optimum efficiency and minimize the impact on mileage.