Heaters and vehicle fuel consumption – how electrical devices increase fuel consumption
How to save fuel? There are also fuel guzzlers inside the vehicle.
Even in driving school, we learn in preparation for the driver’s license that fuel-saving driving important is. But what exactly does this mean? In addition to a fuel-saving driving style, among other things, the correct tire pressure important. But what many people forget: also electrical devices in the car consume fuel.
When buying a new car, many people also pay attention to a upscale equipment. Besides basics, like a radio or electric windows, the trolley must also have seat heating and a air conditioning have.
All this increases comfort and makes driving a pleasant experience. For many drivers, however, the question is: how can I save fuel? save fuel? Does a parking heater consume a lot of gasoline? Does air conditioning increase fuel consumption?? All these questions are answered in our guide answers.
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FAQ: increased consumption due to heating and air conditioning
Yes, because in order for the engine to be able to drive the alternator, t of fuel is consumed.
These include in particular the air conditioning system and the parking and seat heating systems. If you want to save fuel, you should therefore use them in moderation.
Saving fuel must never be at the expense of safety. Therefore, lighting should never be dispensed with.
Electricity in the car – how it is generated in the car?
All electrical devices, such as the light engine, consume energy and thus increase fuel consumption.
We take electricity for granted in all areas of life. We rarely ask ourselves where the electricity we consume actually comes from. This is also the case with cars. So what technology is used to electricity in the car and what effect does this have on the fuel consumption?
In every vehicle there is a alternator. This is an electrical generator that is driven by the engine via a V-belt. The alternator can supply powering electrical devices in the car. In addition, there is battery in the car that serves to store energy. This means that energy is also available when the engine is switched off or only runs slowly.
If the alternator now has to supply more current because an electrical device has been switched on, this the rotational resistance increases. This means that the engine has to use more power for propulsion, which results in more fuel consumed is. According to the ADAC, 100 watts of electrical power require, depending on engine speed and alternator configuration ca. 0.1liter per 100 km.
So how can you save fuel? Let’s take a look at the various power guzzlers in the car once more closely at.
The air conditioner in the car – increased consumption
If the air conditioner is used in the car, it increases the consumption.
Cool air in the car is pleasant, especially when it is blisteringly hot outside. However, the air conditioner is one of the power guzzlers nr. 1 in the car. And this in turn also increases the fuel consumption When the air conditioner is switched on.
For air conditioners, you can choose between fully automatic and semi-automatic or. manual systems are differentiated. While the fully automatic adjust everything yourself once you’ve set the desired temperature, you’ll need to do it yourself at the semi-automatic or. Manual system adjust the blower yourself. Although the latter is cheaper to buy, the fuel consumed by the fuel consumption of the air conditioning system with this system but also higher than fully automatic.
Make the air distribution with a semi-automatic or. manual air conditioner is best to the upper nozzles a. Many find cooler air on the head and warmer air on the feet more comfortable.
in order to reduce the consumption of the air conditioning system in the car, you should ensure that the fully automatic system is system only runs in "auto mode. Put the temperature also not too low a. As a rule of thumb, the inside temperature should not be more than six to eight degrees above the outside temperature.
In general, it can be said that fuel consumption when the air conditioning system is switched on can vary depending on the vehicle model, operating conditions and air conditioning technology by between 0,1 to 0,2 liter per 100 km increases. Most fuel is consumed when the machine is idling, in percentage terms. So remember: a air conditioning increases fuel consumption and should only be switched on when it is really necessary is.
The auxiliary heater – increased fuel consumption
A warm car in winter is pleasant. But that consumes more gasoline: auxiliary heating and seat heating increase fuel costs.
While an air conditioner provides a pleasant coolness in summer, we like to have it warm in the car in winter. Parking heaters ensure that the interior of the vehicle is warmed up without the engine having to run. This is very comfortable, because nobody likes to get into a cold car.
But for the greater comfort provided by the heating system, you must also higher fuel costs take into account that the seat heater increases the fuel consumption of your vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer for the parking heater is a fuel consumption from 0,6 to 1,7 liter per hour specified.
Parking heaters are often not produced and installed directly by the manufacturer. In such a case you can retrofit these. The complex installation should take place in any case in a professional workshop.
The seat heater – increased fuel consumption
Also the car radio increases the consumption of your car.
Also a seat heater increases fuel consumption of your car. Depending on the manufacturer and the temperature setting, around 100 watts are required to heat a seat. For every 100 km you need 0.1 liters of fuel more.
the car radio – more power consumption leads to higher fuel consumption
The radio belongs to the smaller power guzzlers in the car, but savings can be made here as well. turn on the music only when you use it also really hear want.
Special hifi amplifier and speakers can, however, drive up the actually low power consumption of the car radio. Here you can up to 400 watt additional also affect the fuel consumption impact.