The American Automobile Association (AAA) says you shouldn’t warm up your car to keep it from freezing. They say drivers should start their engines and allow it to idle only for the time it takes to fasten your seatbelt.
“Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration brings the engine to a warmer temperature faster, and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions,” says Cliff Ruud, Managing Director of Automotive for AAA. “Naturally, a little longer idle time is okay in the winter while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts.”
Rudd says it’s important for drivers to check their engine coolant level, especially during the winter season, according to The Evening Tribune. This should only be done when the engine is off and cooled down. Drivers should also make sure their battery is in good condition, clean their headlights, replace wiper blades, and check their tire’s tread depth and pressure to ensure good traction.
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