Drivers warned not to believe cold weather 'myth' which could wreck car

Drivers have been warned not to believe a cold weather myth which could be harming their fuel consumption. Motorists and road users are being warned over a cold weather shift as we head deeper into winter and towards the Christmas season.

Amotoring expert has debunked a popular rumour that using one feature leads to more consumption. The vehicle additive producer Redex explained running the heater inside a vehicle is unlikely to severely impact a vehicle's fuel economy.

They explained: "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.

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"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."

It is a common belief that running the car air conditioning consumes more fuel, thus reducing fuel efficiency. However, with advancements in automotive technology, this myth is no longer true. Modern cars are designed to minimise the impact of air conditioning on fuel consumption. While it is true that air conditioning does use some energy from the engine, the difference in fuel consumption is negligible, especially at higher speeds.

It is more important to focus on maintaining your vehicle’s overall efficiency through regular maintenance, such as tire pressure checks and engine tune-ups.

They went on and added: "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."