Does Using the Car Heater Cool the Engine?
It’s a common misconception that using the car heater will cool the engine. In reality, the heater actually does the opposite: it draws heat from the engine and uses it to warm the passenger compartment.
How the Car Heater Works
The car heater is a heat exchanger that uses the heat from the engine to warm the air inside the car. The heater core is located in the dashboard, and it is connected to the engine’s cooling system. As the coolant flows through the heater core, it gives up its heat to the air that is blown through the core. The heated air is then distributed throughout the passenger compartment by the vents in the dashboard.
Why Using the Heater Doesn’t Cool the Engine
The car heater does not cool the engine because it does not remove any heat from the engine. The heater simply transfers heat from the engine to the passenger compartment. In fact, using the heater can actually cause the engine to run hotter, because the heater core restricts the flow of coolant through the engine.
When to Use the Car Heater
The car heater should be used when the temperature inside the car is colder than the desired temperature. The heater should not be used when the engine is overheating, because this can cause the engine to run even hotter.
Other Ways to Cool the Engine
There are a few other ways to cool the engine, including:
- Using the air conditioner
- Opening the windows
- Driving at a slower speed
- Using a coolant additive
Conclusion
Using the car heater does not cool the engine. In fact, it can actually cause the engine to run hotter. The heater should only be used when the temperature inside the car is colder than the desired temperature.
