cabin heat

pvella2 · 12-13-2011, 08:41 PM

I have to drive about 10 miles before the cabin starts to warm up. Probably another 15 miles before it reaches a comfortable range. Outside temp is about 30 degrees now. As this is my first winter, I do not know what to expect from my 2011 insight. What is the norm?

Thanks

Paul

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Moved to proper forum

Moderator Eli

firsthonda · 12-13-2011, 09:43 PM

I have a 2010 and my Insight heats up pretty quickly. Blue light goes off in 2-3 miles and cabin is heated up nicely in 4-5 miles.

Do you run the heat from the get go; or wait a few minutes? By running it right away, it takes longer for water/antifreeze in the cooling system to heat up. I don't turn on the heat until the blue light goes off.

Cobb · 12-13-2011, 10:20 PM

Welcome aboard!!! Yeah, hybrid heat and air.

it's best in my experience to grin and bear it 3 or so miles after the cold engine light goes off when the heat starts. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour when the car starts to feel warm and fuzzy.

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**Jayemtee** · 12-13-2011, 11:19 PM

You might want to consider grill blocks.

mrkcohen · 12-13-2011, 11:47 PM

I'm comfortable within 3-5 miles but comfortable is a relative term. I don't like it too hot to begin with and in 30 degree weather I am usually content with the heat off after the cabin has initially warmed up.

I agree that it's best to let the car warm up with the heat off. I usually wait a couple minutes after the light goes off.

pvella2 · 12-14-2011, 06:39 AM

Thank you all for the immediate attention. I wasn't expecting so much advise. I am new here. I will pay more attention to the Blue light before I request any heat this morning.

Thanks so much!

Paul

Zwolfe · 12-14-2011, 09:37 AM

I get warm air coming out of the vents in about a mile. Toward the end of the mile I have to drive up a pretty big hill, so, the engine is getting wound up pretty good which accelerates the heating process.

Two miles I usually have pretty good heat.

It will take a little bit longer if you have flat ground in every direction ...

If I don't scrape the windshield and just get in and turn on the car with the defrost button enabled, it takes about 3 minutes for the frost to thaw just idling, which IMO, is pretty good.

Cobb · 12-14-2011, 05:18 PM

Nothing like insulating a woodside cabin with heat, LOL.

Yeah, I have a full exterior grill block, but I nurse it to try to hang on to a 60mpg over all average per a tank. I just need to get up early to plug in the heater, but I have to leave for work at 5am as is.

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**Jayemtee** · 12-14-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firsthonda

I have a 2010 and my Insight heats up pretty quickly. Blue light goes off in 2-3 miles and cabin is heated up nicely in 4-5 miles.

Do you run the heat from the get go; or wait a few minutes? By running it right away, it takes longer for water/antifreeze in the cooling system to heat up. I don't turn on the heat until the blue light goes off.

How does that theory work? I've heard that many times and if it works for you, GREAT. It just doesn't add up on paper...at least my paper. lol

mrkcohen · 12-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

How does that theory work? I've heard that many times and if it works for you, GREAT. It just doesn't add up on paper...at least my paper. lol

It works because by leaving the heat/fan off you remove the heater core from the coolant loop. Less surface area for potential heat loss means faster engine warm up time.

It's similar to leaving you oven door partially open when pre-heating. Sure the oven will eventually reach 350, but with more paths for potential heat loss it will take longer.