Myths and facts about
car parking heaters

1. A parking heater isn't worth it because it's no longer cold enough

According to the German Weather Service, the average temperature in winter 2023/2024 was 4.1 degrees Celsius. That's cold, especially if you're sitting in a car without moving. Parking heaters not only offer advantages on frosty days. They also ensure a pleasant interior temperature at low plus temperatures and prevent the windows from misting up. This increases safety and comfort when driving.

2. Parking heaters are too expensive

To retrofit a parking heater, you need the heater itself, as well as hoses, cables, clamps and adapters. Then there is the labor. The device needs to be connected to the tank, the ventilation system and the battery, and the control panel needs to be integrated. This takes about a day. Where the device is installed in the car depends on the vehicle model. The price varies depending on the complexity of the installation. It starts at around 2,200 euros. A note: be careful when choosing the device! "Made in Germany" is definitely a sign of quality here and can prevent later problems with poor exhaust gas routing, burnt-through hoses or similar. Another tip: sometimes it's worth comparing several offers and asking about discount promotions.

3. Front and rear window heating are sufficient

Front and rear window heating defrost the windows, but only start after the ignition is switched on. Then you wait in the cold until the windows are clear. Leaving the engine running while stationary is prohibited and can be punished with a fine of 80 euros. A parking heater defrosts the windows before you start driving and heats the interior - legally and without wasting time. This makes it possible to drive without thick winter clothing, which can save lives in the event of an accident, especially for children, as a crash test by the German automobile club ADAC proves: Driving a car with a thick winter jacket? Better not! (adac.de).

4. There is no parking heater for my car

Many car brands already offer a parking heater ex works. However, it can also be retrofitted to almost any car. Manufacturers like the market leader Webasto regularly test the most common vehicle models and develop a variety of specific parts kits that qualified workshops can use to install the heaters. It is worth asking a certified specialist dealer - or even several. It's easy to do this using the dealer search function of the providers.

5. Parking heaters consume too much fuel

Modern parking heaters work very efficiently. They only consume a small amount of fuel, but in return reduce cold-start wear on the engine. A preheated engine burns fuel more efficiently. In an ADAC comparison test, the additional fuel consumption caused by the parking heater was very low. And that for the added value of a warm vehicle, increased safety and protection of the engine. (Source: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/ausstattung/standheizung/)

6. The parking heater drains the vehicle battery

Modern parking heaters also use electricity very efficiently. They also have a protective function that switches the device off if the battery voltage falls below a certain level, so that it is always possible to start the car. The battery is recharged on the next journey. The rule of thumb is: driving time equals (previous) heating time.

7. The engine is often no longer preheated as well

Vehicle electronics are becoming increasingly complex. To ensure that retrofitted parking heaters do not interfere with the on-board electronics, manufacturers have now developed electronic solutions - like the Cronus - that can communicate with them. This means that engine preheating by the parking heater is possible in many cars without any problems.

8. The vehicle's engine warms up after a short time

It is true that engines in new cars warm up faster than they did 20 years ago. Nevertheless, sitting in a cold, damp car at first makes you feel cold and tense. It takes time for the interior to warm up comfortably. By the way: ADAC tests have shown that warming up while stationary is actually harmful to combustion engines. Source: https://www.adac.de/verkehr/verkehrssicherheit/wetter/motor-warmlaufen-lassen/

9. Parking heaters are complicated to operate

Manufacturers offer various options for controlling the heating: from the simple on/off radio remote control to the option of pre-programming through to a self-explanatory smartphone app. This allows you to choose according to individual preference.

10. The manufacturer's warranty expires if a parking heater is retrofitted

If you do not order a parking heater as an original accessory when you order your new car, you can have it retrofitted at a later date. Installation carried out in a German specialist workshop and according to the instructions of the parking heater manufacturer does not affect the warranty.

Further information on Webasto parking heaters for cars can be found here.