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Experts Explain Why You Shouldn't Warm Your Car Up In Cold Weather

Lucy Devine

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| Last updated 

Experts Explain Why You Shouldn't Warm Your Car Up In Cold Weather

Featured Image Credit: PA

There's nothing worse than turning the heating on in your icy cold car, only to be blasted with freezing cold air. Which is why so many drivers sit and wait for their vehicles to warm up before they're ready to set off.

But if this is your usual winter morning routine, you might want to have a rethink, because experts have warned it's pretty bad for your car.

There's nothing worse than turning the heating on in your icy cold car (Credit: PA)
There's nothing worse than turning the heating on in your icy cold car (Credit: PA)

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis explained why it can be problematic for your engine. He told LADbible: "We'd always advise drivers to get on their way as soon after clearing the windscreen inside and out.

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"Sitting waiting for it to warm up is a bad idea for several reasons - a car warms up much faster when it's actually being driven, and idling contributes to air pollution and global warming, as you are needlessly emitting exhaust fumes.

"In very cold conditions, idling can also accelerate wear on the engine."

Leaving the heating running could be problematic for your engine (Credit: PA)
Leaving the heating running could be problematic for your engine (Credit: PA)

In fact, leaving your car to warm up before setting off can cause lubricating oils to be stripped from the cylinder walls and pistons, which in turn can lead to damage and wearing of the engine.

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Used car supermarket, Carwise Group explains further: "Modern vehicles run on a mix of vapourised fuel and air.

"By leaving your car engine running while stationary in colder weather, the ratios of this mix changes significantly; with less gasoline likely to be evaporated during the colder weather, the risk is that your vehicle adds more to the mixture, thereby causing an imbalance and leading to a process known as 'running rich'.

The good news is that your car will heat up more quickly, the sooner you get on the road (Credit: PA)
The good news is that your car will heat up more quickly, the sooner you get on the road (Credit: PA)

"Alternatively, there is a risk that leaving your car idling on a cold morning can cause essential lubricating oil to be stripped from cylinder walls and the pistons of the engine, leading to potential damage that could costs hundreds to repair. The risks of leaving your car engine running before heading off, clearly, outweigh the benefits."

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The good news is that your car will heat up more quickly, the sooner you get on the road.

Topics: Life News

Lucy Devine
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