Auto and trucks

 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

Copyright: 2006 Marilyn Pokorney

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