Warm Up Your Car In Winter

By: Marilyn Pokorney

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.

For more information on battery chargers visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/batterycare.htm

About the author:
Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals
and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net Email: Current address on
website