How to Heat Your Car Up
A 10-step guide to how you can heat up your car this winter.
- Turn your engine on for as little as 20-30 seconds before driving.
- Use the heating and air conditioning in your car to reduce condensation.
- Use a windshield cover to help insulate your car.
- Start slow and take it easy for the first 5-15 minutes; it's better for your fuel costs and the environment.
- Heated steering wheel will help to warm your car and your hands.
- Wool blankets are great insulators for warmth for your passengers; keeping them in the car will help to insulate warmth.
- Where possible, park the car in a garage.
- Bring a hot beverage for the car journey.
Winter is only around the corner, and with those colder, darker mornings, everything takes just that little bit longer. In addition to heating your car, there are some pretty simple solutions that might take you by surprise.
Why do you need to heat up your car?
Keeping your car warm helps to keep multiple aspects of your drive safe, convenient, and reliable. A warm car in cold weather will mean the engine's motor oil will lubricate the engine more quickly. A warm car means warm windows, preventing them from frosting. Wiper blades will conform to the glass, which will clear more quickly.
Best methods to heat your car efficiently
There are many solutions to heating your car efficiently that are both pocket and environmentally friendly.
Drive away
The fastest way to warm your car up is to drive. Please note that whilst your car is warming up, it is advisable not to rev the engine hard for the first few minutes, or at least the temperature gauge is off the cold reading.
Start your journey slow
Try to drive slowly and gently for the first 5-15 minutes of your journey. This helps to avoid stressing the engine out before it has reached its natural performance levels.
Avoid idling
Idling your car's engine for too long can do more harm than good. Prolonged idling can dilute the oil's lubrication properties.
Use a heat pump
This common old myth is bad for fuel expenses and the environment. The engine only needs to be on for as long as it takes you to get into the car and put on your seat belt. In most modern cars, the oil reaches the engine in a matter of seconds, and leaving the ignition on for a prolonged amount of time can damage your engine in the long run.
Shouldn’t I leave my car running for several minutes to warm the engine?
This common old myth is bad for your fuel expenses and the environment. The engine only needs to be on for as long as it takes you to get into the car and put on your seat belt. In most modern cars, the oil reaches the engine in a matter of seconds and in fact leaving the ignition on for a prolonged amount of time can damage your engine in the long run.
I don’t have a garage, is there anything else I can do?
Many people don't have a garage to protect their cars. Don't worry! There are other things you can do to help your car. Contrary to belief, we still get some sunshine in the winter. Try to park your car in the sunnier spots, or if that isn't enough, invest in a good quality thermal vehicle cover. This will maintain a good amount of heat in your car.
Common mistakes when heating your car
It's really important to take some precautions when it comes to keeping your car happy and healthy in the winter months. If your car isn't cared for during the colder months, you might start to have problems with the battery, fluids, and lights.
Keep your car toasty with Kwik Fit
If you're not sure how to keep your car in the best condition during the winter months or looking for more information on why your heater may not be working and what you need to do, check out our blog. Kwik Fit is here to help! Our expert technicians want to keep you and your car happy and warm this winter.
If you have any questions regarding your car heater not working, contact your local Kwik Fit centre or visit our blog section for a host of vehicle-related tips and advice.
