Does Revving the Engine Help Heat the Car?

It’s a common misconception that revving the engine helps heat up the car. In fact, this can actually damage your engine in the long run. Let’s take a closer look.

How Does a Car’s Heating System Work?

A car’s heating system uses hot water from the engine to warm up the interior of the car. The water is heated by the engine’s coolant, which circulates through the engine and absorbs heat. The hot water is then pumped through a heater core, which is located in the dashboard. As the air passes through the heater core, it is heated up and then blown into the car’s interior.

What Happens When You Rev the Engine?

When you rev the engine, you are increasing the speed of the engine. This causes the engine to produce more heat. However, this heat is not transferred to the coolant as efficiently as it is when the engine is running at a lower speed. As a result, the water in the coolant system does not get as hot, and the heater core is not able to heat the air as effectively.

Can Revving the Engine Damage My Car?

Yes, revving the engine can damage your car. Over time, the increased heat can cause the engine to wear out prematurely. It can also damage the seals and gaskets in the engine. In some cases, revving the engine can even cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious damage.

What Should I Do Instead?

If you want to warm up your car quickly, there are several things you can do instead of revving the engine. Here are a few tips:

• Drive your car. The best way to warm up your car is to drive it. This will allow the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature and the heater core to heat up the air.
• Use the heater fan. If you need to warm up your car quickly, you can use the heater fan. This will circulate the warm air around the interior of the car and help to take the chill out.
• Park your car in the sun. If you can, park your car in the sun. This will help to warm up the interior of the car naturally.

Conclusion

Revving the engine does not help heat the car. In fact, it can actually damage your engine. The best way to warm up your car quickly is to drive it, use the heater fan, or park it in the sun.