There are times when you may want some extra heat in your car, especially during the winter months when the temperature drops. A portable car heater can provide supplemental warmth to make your drive more comfortable. With the right portable heater, you can help take the chill out of your car’s interior and travel in cozy comfort. In this article, we’ll look at some quick answers to common questions about portable heaters for cars and provide an overview of the different types available. We’ll also offer some tips for choosing and using a portable car heater safely and effectively.
Page Contents
- 1 What is a portable car heater?
- 2 What types of portable heaters can you use in a car?
- 3 Are portable car heaters safe?
- 4 What size portable heater is best for a car?
- 5 Where should you place a portable car heater?
- 6 Are there any maintenance tips for portable car heaters?
- 7 How can you use a portable heater safely in a car?
- 8 How do you troubleshoot common portable car heater problems?
- 9 Conclusion
What is a portable car heater?
A portable car heater is a small, self-contained heating unit that can be powered in your vehicle to provide additional warmth. Portable heaters are designed to be lightweight and compact so they can be easily transported and stored in your car. They come in a variety of styles and most plug into your car’s 12V power outlet (also known as the cigarette lighter port) to draw power. Many portable car heaters include handy features like adjustable temperature settings, built-in fans to better circulate the heat, and safety auto shut-off functions.
What types of portable heaters can you use in a car?
There are a few common types of portable car heaters:
Electric Heaters
Electric car heaters are one of the most popular options. They use electric heating elements to generate warmth and include a fan to help disseminate the heat throughout your car’s cabin. Most plug directly into your 12V outlet. Electric heaters come in a range of wattages, with higher wattages producing more heat output. Popular styles include ceramic heaters and coil heaters.
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters use small disposable propane cylinders as the heat source. A battery-powered fan helps circulate the hot air. Propane heaters are useful because they don’t drain your car’s battery. However, you do need to have spare propane canisters on hand. Propane heaters also tend to be more expensive than electric models.
Wood Pellet Heaters
Instead of electricity or propane, these heaters burn small wood pellets to create warmth. The pellets are fed into a combustion chamber from a connected hopper. A fan blows the hot air into the car interior. Wood pellet heaters need to be occasionally refilled but produce heat without drawing on your car’s power.
Fuel-Fired Heaters
Fuel-fired heaters allow you to burn gasoline or diesel from your car’s own fuel tank to generate heat. They are more complex systems that redirect and burn the fuel externally using a small stove unit. Fuel-fired heaters require installation and professional maintenance but can provide substantial heating power.
Are portable car heaters safe?
Portable car heaters are generally safe when used properly. Here are some tips for safe usage:
- Only operate the heater when you are in the vehicle and can monitor it.
- Never leave a portable heater unattended or running overnight in your car.
- Make sure to turn the heater off when you reach your destination.
- Don’t overload the electrical socket by plugging in multiple devices.
- Select a heater with auto shut-off features in case it gets knocked over.
- Keep the heater on a flat, stable surface so it doesn’t tip over.
- Make sure the heater is well-ventilated and not blocked or covered up.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is also important for safe operation. With proper use, portable car heaters can be a very convenient way to add extra warmth to your car’s interior.
What size portable heater is best for a car?
The optimal portable car heater size depends on factors like your vehicle size and heating needs. Here are some general size guidelines:
- Compact car: 600-900 watts
- Midsize sedan: 750-1500 watts
- SUV or minivan: 1000-2500 watts
- Full-size truck: 2500+ watts
Smaller heaters around 600 watts are suitable for warming the personal space around a single seat. Larger 1,500+ watt heaters can raise temperatures throughout the entire cabin area in bigger vehicles. Match the heater capacity to the interior room you want to heat. Having a heater that’s too small will not provide sufficient warmth. Going too big can trip electrical circuits or cause overheating.
Where should you place a portable car heater?
The best placement for your portable car heater depends on the type:
- Electric heaters work well on the center console, floor, or mounted from a headrest. Place them under or aimed at the seats.
- Propane heaters are best kept on the floor of the back seat area.
- Wood pellet stoves can be positioned on the floor or console area if secured.
- Fuel-fired heaters need professional under-dash installation.
Try to angle or direct the heat output towards the coldest area of your car’s interior. Maintain a safe distance from combustible materials and avoid blocking vents or airflow. Refer to the heater’s manual for any special placement instructions. Proper positioning helps maximize heating efficiency.
Are there any maintenance tips for portable car heaters?
Regular care and cleaning can optimize performance and extend the life of your portable car heater:
- Always unplug the heater after use and store properly when not in use.
- Clean the heating elements or interior regularly by vacuuming or wiping down.
- Check the power cord and plug for any wear or damage before each use.
- Empty and clean out debris from pellet hoppers or combustion chambers.
- Monitor propane or fuel connections and check for leaks.
- Replace any worn parts like old fans or deteriorated plugs.
Also be sure to keep the heater’s air intake and outlet ports clear of dust, pet hair, and other particles so air can flow freely. Refer to your owner’s manual for any other advised maintenance for your particular model. With proper care, a portable car heater can deliver reliable performance season after season.
How can you use a portable heater safely in a car?
To use your portable car heater as safely as possible:
- Only operate with car ignition turned on to avoid draining the battery.
- Never leave heater running unattended or while sleeping.
- Keep combustible materials like paper or fabric away from heat source.
- Park your car in a well-ventilated area before using the heater.
- Crack windows to allow fresh airflow and prevent CO poisoning.
- Check for signs of overheating like scorching or melted parts.
- Turn heater off before getting out of the vehicle.
- Let heater cool fully before storing it back in your car.
Exercising basic safety precautions will help you securely enjoy the convenience and comfort of a portable car heater.
How do you troubleshoot common portable car heater problems?
If your portable car heater isn’t working properly, try these troubleshooting tips:
Heater is blowing cold air:
- Make sure unit is plugged firmly into 12V outlet
- Check fuse on power cord or cigarette lighter socket
- Give unit time to fully warm up after turning on
- Clean obstructed heating elements
Heater keeps shutting off unexpectedly:
- Unit may have safety auto shut-off feature if tipped over or overheated
- Battery voltage may be too low
- Electrical fault in car’s 12V outlet
- Defective temp sensor or wiring
Burning smell coming from heater:
- Turn off unit immediately
- Heating element, fan or internal parts likely overheated
- Have technician inspect for source of overheating
Fan is making grinding/vibrating noises:
- Fan blade or motor is faulty
- Vacuum intake or fan vent may be blocked
- Have technician replace affected fan parts
If problems persist after troubleshooting, have your portable car heater serviced by an auto repair shop or replace the unit.
Conclusion
Portable car heaters provide an easy solution for staying warm in cold weather without running your engine. Electric and propane models give you simple plug-and-play heating on demand. For frequent use in frigid conditions, more heavy-duty wood pellet or fuel-fired heaters are powerful options. Position or install your heater properly, follow safety tips, and perform basic maintenance to get the best performance. Troubleshoot common issues like cold air or overheating to resolve any problems. With a quality portable heater operated safely, you can drive comfortably warm all winter long.