Drivers told to ignore 'myth' about car heaters as experts say it's 'not true'

Drivers have been told a common claim about car heaters is actually a myth that should be ignored. Most motorists have probably heard stories that turning on their heating will use up a lot of fuel, and that it's better to keep it turned off.

Some people are alarmed by this and think their heater will guzzle up their fuel and hit them in the pocket. This has been rubbished by experts, however.

They say heaters only use a small amount of fuel and it's not worth keeping it turned off as it makes barely any difference. It's much more important to keep warm while driving to ensure you're in the best shape and don't become distracted from the road.

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Motoring experts at Redex said: "There’s a common myth that your car’s heater uses a significant amount of fuel, just like turning on your air conditioning. This can lead to motorists being reluctant to turn heaters on during the winter months. It’s important that while driving you are comfortable enough to fully focus on the road, not worrying about cold hands and chattering teeth.

"Having a warm enough cabin also means you can take off any bulky outer clothing that might hinder your ability to drive. Luckily, it’s been proven that your car’s heater only uses a small amount of fuel. So, how does this work?

"Well, unlike air conditioning, the heater on your car utilises the heat produced by the engine to provide warm air into the car’s cabin. You may notice that when you first put your car’s heater on, the air is initially cold because there hasn’t been enough time for the air to heat up.

"Make sure that your car’s cabin is at a reasonable temperature for your own comfort and keep your eye on the windscreen to prevent fogging or freezing.”