Do you enjoy being cold outside in the winter?  Well, neither does your car.  Believe it or not, it is actually very important to warm up your car during the harsh winter months before driving it.  

Luckily, due to modern technology newer vehicles do not require as much effort to warming up but still need a little boost.  

In this article, we will discuss the different tips and methods of warming up your car in the winter.  Not only for the purpose of being able to operate the vehicle but also for the purpose of warming up the interior so you can drive nice and toasty!  

How Long Should You Let Your Car Heat Up?

Ever heard of the 30-second rule?  Essentially, it’s the same for warming up your car.  Vehicles that were manufactured within the past 30 years or so have a fuel injection system.  

This system has sensors that can detect cold winter conditions based on temperature and air pressure.  When you start your vehicle up in the cold, the fuel injection system pushes a mixture into the engine allowing it safe.

So, when it comes to how long to warm up a car, it’s 30 seconds.  If your vehicle is much older than 30 years, the vehicle probably uses a carburetor system.  This system will take a few minutes for your vehicle to warm up compared to the 30-second rule.  

So, Should You Warm Up Your Car?

The basic answer is yes, and letting your vehicle warm up for just 30 seconds is not the only thing you should do to make sure it’s working properly.  Before operating your vehicle, always make sure that your windows and windshields are clear of snow and ice.  

Don’t just use your defroster because this could create fog, which could be very dangerous on the road.  Make sure you use an ice scraper to get the thick layers of snow and ice off your vehicle and allow your defroster to heat up for a bit before driving your vehicle.  

Another quick tip prior to driving your vehicle is to use a fuel additive.  This is especially important if you are using diesel fuel.  This is because water could potentially get into your fuel system in cold temperatures.  Using a fuel additive will make sure your fuel is protected from the winter weather.  

Once your vehicle is prepared to drive, the best way to warm up your vehicle effectively is to drive for 10 minutes.  Driving your vehicle warms your car up faster than letting it sit idle.  

Letting your car vehicle sit idle is not great anyway because it not only wastes fuel but also negatively affects the components of your vehicle.  

Is Warming Up Your Car Illegal?

Many states in the United States have made laws and regulations for allowing your vehicle to sit idle for long periods of time.  This takes effect on warming up your vehicle in the winter months.  Leaving your vehicle running and staying with your vehicle or leaving it unattended could be illegal.  

Read up on your state’s laws as well as your local community laws to be properly aware of how to correctly warm up your vehicle.  Even though cars do need to be warmed up, letting your vehicle do so by idling for a long time is problematic.  

Temperature conditions also may affect your local communities’ laws about warming up your vehicle.  

Best Way to Warm Up the Inside of your Vehicle

Start Driving!  We all want our vehicles to be nice and warm when we are driving them in the winter months.  Nobody enjoys sitting in a cold car for a long time. 

Truthfully, the best and fastest way to heat up the interior of your car is by driving.  As you drive and your engine heats up over the course of a few minutes, the heaters inside of your vehicle will begin to operate and switch from blowing cold air to hot warm air.  

Routine Car Maintenance

It is worth noting that, putting your vehicle through basic car maintenance every month or so will ensure that your vehicle is working properly.  This ensures that all of your systems are in proper working order which is especially helpful when warming your vehicle up in the winter.  

Car maintenance will help make sure your engine and fuel injector systems are working properly.  Having an extended auto warranty will also assist your vehicle with any future mechanical breakdowns, and most extended auto warranties including a DriveSmart warranty come with introductory maintenance. 

Introductory car maintenance will give you peace and mind for the road ahead.  

Written by: Stephen Lubas