Does Car Heater Work with Engine Off?
The answer to this question depends on the type of car you have. In general, most modern cars have heaters that will continue to work for a short period of time after the engine is turned off. However, there are some older cars that have heaters that will only work when the engine is running.
How Does a Car Heater Work?
A car heater works by using the heat from the engine to warm up the air inside the car. The heater core is a small radiator that is located in the dashboard of the car. When the engine is running, hot coolant flows through the heater core, which warms up the metal fins of the core. A fan then blows air over the heated fins, which warms up the air inside the car.
What Happens When the Engine Is Turned Off?
When the engine is turned off, the coolant pump stops circulating coolant through the heater core. This means that the heater core will start to cool down. However, the fan will continue to blow air over the heater core, which will continue to warm up the air inside the car for a short period of time.
How Long Will the Heater Work After the Engine Is Turned Off?
The amount of time that the heater will work after the engine is turned off depends on the size of the heater core and the outside temperature. In general, the heater will work for about 10-15 minutes after the engine is turned off. However, if the outside temperature is very cold, the heater may only work for a few minutes.
Can I Run the Heater with the Engine Off?
It is not recommended to run the heater with the engine off for extended periods of time. This is because running the heater with the engine off will drain the battery. If the battery is drained, you may not be able to start the car.
Conclusion
In general, most modern cars have heaters that will continue to work for a short period of time after the engine is turned off. However, there are some older cars that have heaters that will only work when the engine is running. It is not recommended to run the heater with the engine off for extended periods of time, as this can drain the battery.
