With cold temperatures, ice and snow descending across the U.S., your first instinct before driving anywhere may be to let your car heat up.
But that might not be a great idea, according to experts at AAA. The engine only needs about the time it takes you to fasten your seat belt to ensure lubricating oil makes its way across 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," Cliff Ruud, managing director of Automotive for AAA, previously told USA TODAY. "Naturally, a little longer idle time is OK in the winter while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts."
With arctic air from Canada bringing subfreezing temperatures and placing 68 million Americans under a winter weather advisory Tuesday, here's what else to know about driving in the cold.
What are the coldest cities in the U.S.?Cold front gripping nation sends temps plummeting
Your car may not start in the cold because the batteries are not fully charged, according to J.D. Power. The consumer intelligence company said vehicle owners may notice this when the starter works sluggishly.
"However, this may not be the only reason that prevents the car from starting in cold weather. It often happens that in winter, some lurking malfunctions or faults reveal themselves," a J.D. Power blog post last year said.
The following methods can help your vehicle's battery start under frosty conditions, according to J.D. Power:
During cold weather, your vehicle may require twice the amount of current than normal to get the engine to start. At 32 degrees, a car's battery loses about 35 percent of its strength, according to AAA Automotive Research Center.
It's best to frequently check your antifreeze and batteries to avoid engine freeze-up in the winter and protect against rust and corrosion.
"Only check the coolant level when the engine is cold and not running," Ruud said. "If the coolant is low, add to the lowest level marker and not any higher. If you’re unsure, visit a trusted repair facility and they can assist."
According to AAA, your car should be started and driven for 30 minutes or more at least once a week. This will maintain the battery's life, keep seals properly lubricated and prevent old start combustion contaminants from accumulating in the engine oil.
Starting the car without driving it does not allow the battery to recharge from the engine. AAA recommends asking friends or family to drive your car for 30 minutes a week if won't be able to for a while.
Contributing: Coral Murphy Marcos, Dalvin Brown & Ben Tobin
2024-12-25 22:16453 view
2024-12-25 22:161270 view
2024-12-25 21:372228 view
2024-12-25 21:051727 view
2024-12-25 20:58611 view
2024-12-25 20:08386 view
Online netizens raised privacy concerns over the search function on online portal Bizfile, which all
United States women's rugby sevens standout Ilona Maher has been one of the breakout stars of the 20
NANTERRE, France — The women’s 100-meter backstroke was one of the most anticipated showdowns at the