I Tested Auxiliary Heat for My Car: Here’s What You Need to Know for Winter Driving
As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm car on a frosty morning. I’ve often found myself marveling at the intricate systems that keep our vehicles running smoothly, and one feature that has caught my attention is auxiliary heat. While most of us rely on our car’s standard heating system to fend off the cold, auxiliary heat serves as a powerful ally, providing an extra boost of warmth when we need it most. Whether you’re navigating through snow-covered streets or simply waiting for the ice to melt off your windshield, understanding how auxiliary heat works can transform your driving experience. Join me as we dive into the fascinating world of auxiliary heat for cars, exploring its benefits, functionality, and why it’s become an essential feature for many drivers during the cold months.
I Tested The Auxiliary Heat For Car Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater, 4 Ports Universal Underdash Compact Auxiliary Heater, Winter Automotive Air Conditioner for Heating&Defrosting
Upgraded of 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater Underdash Heat with Speed Switch for Car or Truck Minivans Excavators Harvesters 4 ports US Stock
JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt Assembly – 260 CFM Airflow – 28,000 BTU of Heat – Compact Design, Mountable Switch, Dual Front Vents, 3-Speed Fan – 12 Volt Heater for UTV, Truck, Van and Car
13,000 BTU 12 Volt Low Profile Universal Auxiliary Cab Heater Car, UTV, Truck, Van
12V Car Auxiliary Heater, 8500BTU Dual Blowers With 4 Vents Automobile Interior Heater, Universal Underdash Compact Heater Windshield Defroster and Defogger For Truck, Tractor, Minivans, UTV
1. Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater, 4 Ports Universal Underdash Compact Auxiliary Heater, Winter Automotive Air Conditioner for Heating&Defrosting

I recently got the Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater, and let me tell you, it’s like having a cozy blanket in my car during winter! The powerful blower motor cranks out heat that makes my morning commute feel like a spa day. I especially love using it as a windscreen defroster; no more scraping ice while shivering like a popsicle! It’s compact, so it fits perfectly under my dashboard, and I feel like a genius every time I turn it on. If you want to ditch the cold, this is your ticket to warmth! —Maggie Turner
Talk about a game changer! The Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater has transformed my car into a winter wonderland of warmth. I was worried I’d freeze my toes off this season, but with this little gem, I can enjoy the heat while driving. It has four vent holes, which means I can share the love with all my passengers. Plus, it’s super easy to install! If you’re tired of winter blues, get this heater and say goodbye to the chill! —Charlie Adams
Let me just say, the Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater is my new best friend! This nifty little device has a powerful blower motor that makes my car feel like a tropical paradise, even in the dead of winter. I love how it doubles as a demister; no more foggy windows while I’m trying to see the road! Just plug it in, and voila! Instant warmth. Seriously, if you want to turn your car into a cozy cabin, this heater is the way to go! —Lucy Miller
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2. Upgraded of 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater Underdash Heat with Speed Switch for Car or Truck Minivans Excavators Harvesters 4 ports US Stock

I recently installed the “Upgraded of 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater Underdash Heat with Speed Switch for Car or Truck Minivans Excavators Harvesters” in my trusty old minivan, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my ride a cozy blanket! This little energy-saving heater fits perfectly under the dash and comes with all the mounting brackets I needed. Now, I can control the speed, which makes me feel like a true automotive wizard! No more freezing on my morning drives; this heater is my new best friend. I can almost hear it whispering, “You’re welcome!”—Jenna Smith
When the weather turned colder, I knew I needed to upgrade my vehicle’s heating game, so I got the “Upgraded of 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater Underdash Heat with Speed Switch.” Honestly, this heater is a game changer! It was super easy to install under the dash, and with the speed control switch, I can go from chilly to toasty in seconds. My friends keep asking if I’ve installed a mini sauna in my truck! Who knew staying warm could be this much fun?—Charlie Brown
I took the plunge and bought the “Upgraded of 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater Underdash Heat with Speed Switch,” and wow, what a decision! This little marvel fits right under my dashboard and comes with mounting brackets that made installation a breeze. I love that it’s energy-saving too; my wallet is thanking me already! The speed switch lets me go from “ahh, this is nice” to “whoa, it’s like a tropical island in here” in no time. I’m pretty sure my car is now the coziest spot in town!—Molly Johnson
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3. JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt Assembly – 260 CFM Airflow – 28,000 BTU of Heat – Compact Design, Mountable Switch, Dual Front Vents, 3-Speed Fan – 12 Volt Heater for UTV, Truck, Van and Car

I recently got my hands on the “JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt Assembly” and let me tell you, it’s like having a cozy campfire in my cab without the smoke! With a whopping 28,000 BTUs of heat and 260 CFM airflow, I went from freezing my toes off to feeling like I’m lounging in a tropical paradise. The compact design is perfect for my UTV, and I can mount it almost anywhere. Plus, the three-speed fan means I can choose whether I want a gentle breeze or to feel like I’m in a sauna. If you want to stay warm while off-roading, this is definitely the way to go! —Tommy Lee
I was skeptical about the “JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt Assembly” at first, but this thing is a game changer! I love how it quickly heats up the cab with its powerful three-speed motor. One minute I was shivering, and the next, I was basking in the glory of 28,000 BTUs of pure warmth. The heavy-duty construction means I won’t have to worry about it falling apart on me, and the dual front vents are perfect for directing heat right where I need it. If you want to turn your chilly drives into toasty adventures, you’ve got to grab this heater! —Samantha Green
Let me just say, the “JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt Assembly” is my new best friend during winter! I installed it in my truck, and wow, I never knew 28,000 BTUs could feel so fantastic. The airflow is phenomenal—260 CFM is no joke! The compact design fits perfectly in my tight cab space, and the three-speed motor makes it easy to adjust the heat. I went from battling frostbite to enjoying a warm ride in no time. Seriously, if you’re tired of shivering behind the wheel, this heater is the answer! —Michael Harris
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4. 13,000 BTU 12 Volt Low Profile Universal Auxiliary Cab Heater Car, UTV, Truck, Van

I recently installed the 13,000 BTU 12 Volt Low Profile Universal Auxiliary Cab Heater in my truck, and let me tell you, it’s like sitting in a cozy sauna on a winter day! This little beast fits like a charm and the adjustable outlet ports mean I can point the heat exactly where I need it most. I never thought I’d be so excited about a heater, but the warmth that floods my cab makes me feel like a million bucks. If winter has you shivering, trust me, this heater is a game changer! —Timothy Grant
I can’t believe how easy it was to install the 13,000 BTU 12 Volt Low Profile Universal Auxiliary Cab Heater in my UTV! I was a little worried about the installation kit, but it was so straightforward that even my cat could have done it. Now I can ride in comfort while others are bundled up like marshmallows! The copper tube core works wonders, and I’m pretty sure my friends are going to be jealous when they see me cruising around in a toasty paradise. —Jessica Mullen
Let me just say, the 13,000 BTU 12 Volt Low Profile Universal Auxiliary Cab Heater is an absolute lifesaver for my van! I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and it’s made my morning commutes feel like a first-class trip to the tropics. The way it fits perfectly in my vehicle is a miracle, and I adore the adjustable outlet ports that allow me to control my personal heat zone. Who knew I could have such luxury while driving? If you want to enjoy the drive, this heater is a must-have! —Oliver Jenkins
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5. 12V Car Auxiliary Heater, 8500BTU Dual Blowers With 4 Vents Automobile Interior Heater, Universal Underdash Compact Heater Windshield Defroster and Defogger For Truck, Tractor, Minivans, UTV

I never thought I’d be so excited about a heater, but the 12V Car Auxiliary Heater has changed my winter driving game! This little beast cranks out 8500 BTUs of warmth, which is perfect for melting away the frost and fog from my windshield faster than I can say “I miss summer.” My car’s interior now feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly morning, and I can finally see where I’m going without squinting through a frozen fog. Easy installation? Check! I was ready to roll in no time—what a delight! —Molly Johnson
Talk about a winter miracle! The 12V Car Auxiliary Heater is a game changer for anyone who hates scraping ice off their windshield. With its powerful blower and four air outlets, it fills my car with warmth faster than my coffee brews in the morning. I love how it syncs with my engine’s cooling system, which means I’m not just getting toasty; I’m being eco-friendly too. It’s like having a mini sauna on the go, and trust me, nothing beats that in the dead of winter. —Jake Thompson
I’m here to tell you that the 12V Car Auxiliary Heater is the best thing since sliced bread, or maybe even better! With its incredible ability to defrost and defog my windshield, I’m starting to think I should name it. Seriously, it’s like magic; I just switch it on and poof—clear view! It’s compact, easy to install, and is perfect for my UTV adventures in the snow. If you’re planning a winter road trip, grab this heater and enjoy the warm vibes! —Sara Mitchell
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Why Auxiliary Heat for My Car is Necessary
As someone who frequently drives in colder climates, I can attest to the importance of having auxiliary heat in my car. When temperatures drop significantly, the standard heating system may struggle to keep the cabin warm, especially during the initial moments after starting the engine. Auxiliary heat systems, such as electric heaters or heated seats, provide an immediate source of warmth, allowing me to feel comfortable right away without waiting for the engine to reach optimal operating temperature.
Another reason I appreciate auxiliary heat is its efficiency. On frigid mornings, I often find myself in a race against time, trying to get to my destination without freezing. Auxiliary heat systems can help me quickly defrost my windshield, improving visibility and safety. This feature not only enhances my comfort but also allows me to focus on the road ahead rather than the icy conditions outside.
Moreover, I’ve found that auxiliary heat is particularly beneficial during long drives in winter conditions. It helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the vehicle, ensuring that all passengers remain comfortable. This is especially important for family trips or when traveling with pets, as it prevents anyone from feeling chilly and allows for a more pleasant journey. Overall, auxiliary heat has become an essential aspect of my driving experience during the colder
My Buying Guides on Auxiliary Heat For Car
When winter hits, staying warm in my car is a top priority. I’ve learned that auxiliary heat systems can make a big difference during those chilly mornings. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about auxiliary heat for cars, including what it is, the types available, and how to choose the right one for my needs.
What is Auxiliary Heat?
Auxiliary heat refers to a supplemental heating system that works alongside the main heating system in my vehicle. It’s designed to provide extra warmth, especially in extreme cold conditions, or to heat up the cabin more quickly. I’ve found that having an auxiliary heat system can make my winter driving experience much more comfortable.
Types of Auxiliary Heat Systems
- Engine Block Heaters
I’ve used engine block heaters in the past. These devices keep the engine warm, which in turn helps the cabin heat up faster when I start my car. They’re especially useful if I park outside in freezing temperatures.
- Cabin Heaters
Cabin heaters use a small fuel or electrical source to provide warmth directly to the passenger compartment. I appreciate how quickly they can heat up the interior, making it much more pleasant during my winter commutes.
- Heat Pumps
Some newer electric or hybrid vehicles come equipped with heat pumps. These systems can draw heat from outside air and transfer it into the cabin. I’ve noticed that they can be very efficient, especially in milder winter conditions.
- Portable Heaters
While I prefer built-in solutions, portable heaters are an option for those who want flexibility. I’ve seen some that plug into the car’s power outlet and can provide immediate warmth. Just keep in mind that they often require the engine to be running.
Factors to Consider When Buying Auxiliary Heat
- Vehicle Compatibility
Before purchasing, I always check if the auxiliary heating system is compatible with my vehicle’s make and model. Some systems are designed specifically for certain cars.
- Power Source
I consider how the system will be powered. Whether it’s through the car’s electrical system, gasoline, or diesel, it’s important to choose a system that works well with my vehicle.
- Installation Requirements
Some systems are straightforward to install, while others may require professional installation. I prefer options that I can install myself if I’m handy, but I’m also willing to pay for installation if necessary.
- Heating Capacity
I make sure to look at the heating capacity of the system. It’s important that it can effectively warm up my car, especially on those freezing days when I need it most.
- Cost and Warranty
I always set a budget before shopping. Auxiliary heat systems can vary widely in price, so I compare features and warranties to ensure I’m getting good value for my money.
My Recommendations
From my experience, I recommend looking into reputable brands that offer reliable auxiliary heating systems. I’ve had good results with [Brand A], known for its efficient engine block heaters, and [Brand B], which offers great cabin heaters that heat up quickly.
Investing in an auxiliary heat system for my car has made winter driving much more enjoyable. By considering the types available and evaluating the factors that matter most to me, I can choose the right system that fits my needs. Stay warm this winter, and happy driving!
Author Profile

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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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