Should i warm up my car

Myth: To improve performance, particularly in cold weather, allow the engine to run for a few minutes before driving. Fact: Start the engine and allow it to idle only for the time it takes you to fasten your seat belt.

This ensures that lubricating oil gets to all of the engine's vital parts. Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration brings the engine to a warmer temperature faster, and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions.

Naturally, a little longer idle time is ok in winter while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts. Get a Quote. Stay Informed. Stay current with blog updates, new offers, and exclusive deals! Join our mailing list today. About DriversEd. In-Car Lessons. Teen Drivers Ed. Adult Drivers Ed. Driver Community. Driver Resources. Mobile Apps. Drivers Ed App. All rights reserved. Please see our privacy policy for more details.

GO username or email address. Forgot your password? Remember Me Remember Me. Don't have a DriversEd. Sign Up. Create Account. Student's Email. Create Password. Confirm Password. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. Block heaters use an electrical element to preheat your engine's fluids so your car is ready to go and easier to start when temperatures drop. Block heaters are why your neighbor's definitely-not-hybrid Ford F may have a three-prong plug poking out of its grille.

Block heaters can also be retrofitted to just about any vehicle. Aftermarket block heaters are inexpensive, and can be well worth the money when you consider the more pleasant mornings and reduced wear that they deliver. So, unless you're rolling in a s Chevelle—which we assume isn't your daily driver—bundle up, scrape off your car, and get moving. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. So are we. Let's nerd out over them together.

How Idling Beats Up a Modern Engine An internal combustion engine works by using pistons to compress a mixture of air and vaporized fuel within a cylinder. Remote Starters Customizable. Buy Now. Most Secure. Best Value. We told you there were exceptions. Ezra Dyer. Warm it up! You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. An engine-block heater. Stef Schrader Stef Schrader routinely breaks and attempts to take project cars on race tracks.

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