How to quickly and efficiently warm up a car in cold weather

Anna Tkach

AutoPortal editorial team

2,067 views 2 min read

These techniques have long been known, but not all drivers use them. Our recommendations will be especially useful for owners of cars with small-displacement engines.

The speed at which a car's interior heats up is directly related to its internal volume. A clogged heater core or cabin filter can seriously impede the flow of warm air.

When the engine, for technical reasons, reaches operating temperature slower than usual, the driver faces a number of unpleasant consequences:

increased fuel consumption;
faster wear of cylinder-piston group components;
dirtier exhaust.

Method 1. Choose a warmer place to park

Frost and strong wind noticeably slow down the heating of the car. You cannot fight these weather conditions. However, it is possible to shelter the car from the wind in a yard or find a place near a heating main. If you know where it runs, park the car directly above it. A warm pipe underground can be detected by thawed patches or crusty snow. Ideally, use a covered parking lot or garage.

Method 2. Increase the RPM while warming up

The faster the engine spins, the sooner both the engine and the interior warm up. On older models, there was a "choke" for this — pulling the handle could raise the RPM. In modern cars, it is enough to press the gas pedal, bringing the RPM to 2000–2500 per minute.

Method 3. Load the engine gradually

Under load, the engine heats up faster. But it is important not to overdo it: cold oil does not provide proper lubrication. A reasonable option is to warm up a little at idle, then drive slowly for a couple of minutes without sharp accelerations.

Method 4. Use the automatic transmission

Owners of cars with an "automatic" or CVT can, while holding the brake, engage D mode. This will give the engine additional load and speed up its warm-up.

Method 5. Do not turn on the heater at full blast immediately

If the heater fan is running at maximum, the engine takes longer to warm up. It is better to direct the airflow to the windshield at minimum speed and wait until the air becomes warm.

Method 6. Install an auxiliary heater

Such devices are especially popular among diesel car owners. They run on fuel from the tank. They have one drawback: they can discharge the battery, so they must be used with caution.

Method 7. Do not let the engine cool down

Then you will not have to warm it up. This is especially relevant for residents of northern regions, where it is better not to turn off the engine during short stops. An alternative is an auto-start system that starts the engine when the temperature drops. Its advantages are obvious: time savings, warm engine and interior.