Should you warm up your car in winter?

The cold has come, and it with it so has snow. It’s officially winter whether you are prepared or not. With the change in weather comes a lot of questions especially when it comes to driving. It’s important to know the best ways to stay safe and warm while on the road. Many people think the best way to start off your morning commute is by allowing your vehicle to idle before hitting the road. Here at Toyota on the Trail, we’re going to answer the question once and for all, “Should you warm up your car in winter?

Some drivers think it is necessary to allow your vehicle to heat up before starting to drive, but driving actually warms up your vehicle faster than just sitting still. It is suggested that you only need 10 seconds of idling before you can go on your way. If you wait any longer, you are wasting time and money by running the engine and now moving. Save your money and the environment and start driving. Idling can also be dangerous for your vehicle in the long run. Stilling still with the vehicle running forces the engine to operate very inefficiently and it can decrease the engine’s performance and mileage.

There are also instances where idling is bad for your health. The biggest danger comes when you idle in an enclosed space, like a garage. This exposes you to carbon monoxide and other noxious gases that can cause you physical harm. Idling at any time also adds to air pollution. If you are idling in the street you are exposing others to the pollution.

Here at Toyota on the Trail we strongly recommend to only idle for 10 seconds to reduce pollution and save money. It doesn’t pay to idle when driving your car will warm it up faster. If you vehicle to struggling to warm up or stay warm, schedule an appointment with our service department. We want to make sure you have a warm and safe winter with your vehicle. Toyota on the Trail in Edmonton AB also has a winter maintenance special going on right now. Take advantage of this great deal!