Winter mornings can be brutal, especially when your car feels like an icebox. But warming it up doesn’t have to take forever—or damage your engine. Here’s how to get your car cozy and your fingers thawed, quickly and safely.
1. Start Smart, Not Hard
Forget the idea of revving a cold engine. Modern cars don’t need it. Simply start your car and let it idle for 30–60 seconds. Your engine will warm faster if you drive gently rather than revving, and you’ll avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
2. Clear Snow and Ice First
Before you even think about driving, remove snow from your windows, mirrors, and lights. Use an ice scraper or de-icer spray on frozen windshields. Don’t forget to check that your exhaust pipe is clear—a blocked pipe is dangerous.