Should You Really Warm Up Your Vehicle Before Driving in Winter?

It's that time of year again. Feels like winter has has arrived and has hit us with a vengeance! Tis the season for starting the car way before you actually have to leave the house to "warm it up."

But it turns out that this idea of idling your car during the winter is just wrong. And so are the many Mainers who believe it. Sure, starting your car in advance may help get the heat going by the time you're ready to drive, but auto experts today say that you should warm up the car for no more than 30 seconds before you start driving in winter. The car warms up faster when it's actually being driven which will allow the heat to turn on sooner, decrease your fuel costs, and reduce emissions, according to an article on fueleconomy.gov who are quick to point out that "Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon."

Being a life long Mainer I am well aware how cold it gets around here for the next 5 months and I too don't like to be out in the cold for longer than I have to be. Yes, it's nice to get into a warm vehicle when it's freezing outside, and this article probably won't change your mind. But it will help you save a little gas!