How to Turn on Your Car Heater in 3 Easy Steps

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about using your car’s temperature controls
PDF download Download Article

Are you freezing and need to get your car heater going ASAP? Lucky for you, turning your heater on is as easy as 1—2—3! In this article, we’ll teach you how simple it is to turn on your car heater and adjust the temperature controls and fan speed, so you’ll be nice and toasty in no time. Read on for warm feet!

Things You Should Know

  • Turn on your engine and give it a few minutes to warm up.
  • Adjust the temperature dial by turning or pushing it right for high heat or left for low heat.
  • Toggle the fan speed control by turning or pushing the fan speed dial to the right for high airflow and left for low airflow.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*
Section 1 of 3:

Turning on Your Car Heater

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whether you have a key ignition or a push-button ignition, turn your car’s engine on. The engine is responsible for generating the heat that gets pushed through your vents when you turn the heater on. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The temperature dial is usually located in the center console and has blue and red coloring. Blue indicates cold air, while red indicates hot, so adjust your dial toward the red (usually to the right). The further you turn or push the dial to the right, the higher the heat level will be. [2]
    • If you have a digital display, simply click on the temperature control icon and press the + button on the screen to amp up the heat.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Locate the fan speed control (usually directly next to or beneath the temperature control), and turn or push the dial to the right until you’ve found a comfortable speed. The higher the fan speed control, the faster your car will heat up. [3]
    • You can also adjust the airflow dial (usually right next to the fan speed control) to direct the heat to specific areas:
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

What does the recirculation button do?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The car heater pulls air from outside the cabin through the heat exchanger and distributes it to the inside to warm up the interior. If you're extra chilly when you hop in your car, try pushing the recirculation button (usually near the airflow controls). That way, your car will use the air inside your vehicle, which is likely warmer than the air outside, and it will take a little less time to heat up.
    • You can also use the recirculation button when the air quality outside your vehicle is poor and you don’t want it circulating through your cabin.
    • Don’t use the recirculation button if you’re trying to defrost a misty windshield. The air from inside the car’s cabin typically holds moisture and will fog up the windshield even more. [4]
Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Car Heater Problems

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s easy to accidentally close or lower one or more heating vents throughout your car. If your heater’s on and adjusted to your preferred settings, but you can’t feel any air circulating, check your vents to ensure they aren’t closed.
    • Open your heater vents by simply rolling or pushing the dial from one side to the other, up to down, and vice versa, until you can feel the air blowing out again.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check your coolant level to make sure it’s not low. If your coolant level is low, the hot fluid won’t reach your heater’s core and leave you without hot air to heat up your chilly hands and feet! [5]
    • Always ensure the engine is cool before checking the coolant. Otherwise, you will burn yourself.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Turn-on-Car-Heater-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re still having trouble with your heater after turning your car on, adjusting the temperature, and checking the fan settings, you might have a faulty thermostat. When your thermostat gets stuck, either open or closed, it can stop your car’s heater from functioning or inhibit your engine from cooling properly. [6]
    • Make an appointment to have your car inspected to find the root of the problem and ensure that your heater issue is solved correctly.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Effective Methods to Make Your Car Roar
      How to
      Open a Gas Tank
      How to
      Install a Rear View Camera
      How to
      Get a Tire Off a Rim
      How to
      Use Car Defrosters: A Guide to Mastering the Defrost Button
      How to
      Identify a Ford Motor
      How to
      Live in Your Car
      How to
      Switch Your Jeep From 2-Wheel Drive to 4-Wheel Drive
      How to
      Adapt a Mousetrap Car for Distance
      How to
      Replace the Batteries in a Mercedes Key Fob
      Why Is Your Car Making Noises When You Start It?
      How to
      Adjust VW Idle Speed with a 34 PICT3 Carburetor
      How to
      Find the Paint Color Code on Ford Vehicles
      How to
      Fight a Rental Car Damage Claim
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://wtop.com/weather-news/2018/01/car-heater-tips-windows-fogging-turn-air-conditioner/
      2. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/how-to-understand-your-cars-climate-controls/
      3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/how-to-understand-your-cars-climate-controls/
      4. ↑ https://wtop.com/weather-news/2018/01/car-heater-tips-windows-fogging-turn-air-conditioner/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/7-reasons-your-car-heater-isnt-working-properly/
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/7-reasons-your-car-heater-isnt-working-properly/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,871 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement