Common questions in the winter. Should I warm up the car
before driving? And for how long?
If you use your car infrequently let the car run for a few
minutes before moving. This warms up the cold, thick oil
and protects your engine from damage.
When starting a vehicle in cold weather allow the engine to
idle for no more than 30 seconds before driving off to
insure proper oil flow and lubrication. Older vehicles may
need a little longer warming up time. Only warm long enough
to prevent stalling when driving and that the windshield is
defogged.
A cold engine will warm up faster when the vehicle is being
driven than when idling. In unusually cold temperatures
drive at a slower speed for a few miles to give the car time
to warm up.
Use a block heater when the winter temperature drops to -5°F
or below. A block heater helps to keep oil and coolant warm,
makes the vehicle easier to start and reduces gas use by as
much as ten percent. Turn the timer on one to two hours
before planning to start vehicle. Use a timer for
convenience.
Never warm car in a closed garage. Drive car out of garage
as soon as motor starts. There is not enough ventilation to
remove carbon monoxide in even an open garage.
Never leave a car running alone. Car thieves watch for
these cars that they call puffers.
Warming up the vehicle before driving off reduces moisture
condensation on the inside windows.
At low temperatures the battery’s starting power drops.
Turn off the heater, radio, lights, etc. before starting the
car so all the power can be directed to the engine to start.
Be prepared with jumper cables in your trunk for a jump
start if necessary. Even better, a self-charge auto jumper
that plugs directly into the lighter can be a lifesaver.
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