Key Takeaways
- Set car heating between 19°C and 22°C for optimal comfort
- Drive immediately after 1-minute warm-up for fastest heating
- Remove thick coats before driving to avoid fines
- Never warm up car in enclosed garage due to carbon monoxide risk
Experts have identified the perfect car temperature range that keeps drivers comfortable without causing drowsiness during winter months. According to automotive specialists, maintaining your car’s heating between 19°C and 22°C creates the ideal driving environment.
Greg Carter, technical specialist at the AA, told The Daily Mail: ‘Somewhere between 19°C and 22°C is a good baseline temperature for a number of reasons. This is a comfortable temperature range for most people and will be similar to that of their home. Not cold enough to require you to need extra layers, and not too warm to make you drowsy.’
The Research Behind the Perfect Temperature
A comprehensive study involving nearly 14,000 drivers confirmed that 22°C is the preferred year-round temperature for most motorists. The research conducted by Genesis Motors in partnership with the AA found this temperature optimal for both driver and passenger comfort.
Expert Tips for Quick Car Warming
Consumer Reports experts recommend driving immediately after a brief warm-up period. ‘Some drivers prefer to let the engine idle to get everything really warm, but the fastest way to warm up an engine is by driving,’ they stated. ‘When you drive the car it’s going to warm up in just a few minutes vs idling for 15 minutes.’
Online driving licence provider Aceable suggests turning off the fan initially. ‘If you turn the heat on right away, the fan will just blow cold air into your face. Turn on your heater, but wait a minute or two before turning on the fan to keep the icy blast at bay.’
Once hot air circulates, direct vents toward your chest rather than your face for faster warming. As comfort increases, redirect heat toward your feet since heat rises and floors cool fastest.
Important Safety Warnings
Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed garage. Aceable warns: ‘Allowing your car to idle in an enclosed space can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to build up. This colourless, odourless gas can poison or even kill you if you inhale too much.’
Drivers should remove thick winter coats before driving. Removing jackets while driving could lead to a £100 fine and penalty points for careless driving under DVSA rules, as it diverts attention from the road.
What to Do If Your Car Overheats
- Pull over immediately if temperature warning light activates or steam appears
- Turn off engine and move passengers away from vehicle and roadway
- Open bonnet from cabin (may be hot) and wait at least 30 minutes
- Never remove radiator cap while engine is hot to avoid steam burns
- Check coolant levels after engine cools and inspect for leaks
- Top up with antifreeze or warm water mixed with coolant if low
- Contact breakdown recovery if problems persist
