With temperatures dropping across Britain, an expert has revealed the ideal temperature to heat your car to during winter for maximum comfort. The advice comes as drivers face frosted windows and chilly starts, but experts warn that wearing thick coats while driving could lead to a £100 fine under Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) laws for distracted driving.
AA specialist Greg Carter told The Daily Mail that the comfortable temperature range for most people is between 19°C and 22°C, similar to that of a home. He explained that this range is not cold enough to require extra layers, nor too warm to cause drowsiness. A 2024 study by Genesis Motors and the AA, surveying nearly 14,000 drivers, found that 22°C was the preferred temperature for both driver and passengers.
Carter also recommended using heated seats as a fast and efficient way to keep warm while the car's temperature catches up. Consumer Reports advises letting the car run for an additional minute before driving, noting that driving is the fastest way to warm up the engine, rather than idling for 15 minutes. However, they caution against revving the engine too hard for the first few minutes.
Online license provider Aceable suggests turning the fan off initially to avoid blowing cold air into the face, then turning it back on after a minute or two. They also recommend aiming vents towards the chest rather than the face to warm the body instantly. Finally, drivers are warned never to let the car idle in an enclosed space like a closed garage, as dangerous carbon monoxide can build up and be fatal.
