Drivers have been urged to leave their car to idle for a few seconds before starting a journey (Image: Getty)
A popular has warned drivers to do one thing before they take to the roads in cold weather this winter.
With the predicting that many parts of the UK will soon see a and even , many motorists are preparing their vehicle to and fines this winter.
The American the stated that one simple yet effective tip to help drivers avoid trouble over winter is to let the engine idle for a few seconds before setting off.
They advised: “Start the engine and allow it to idle only for the time it takes you to fasten your seat belt. This ensures that lubricating oil gets to all of the engine’s vital parts.
“Driving the car normally and avoiding hard acceleration brings the engine to a warmer temperature faster, and also reduces wear and exhaust emissions. Naturally, a little longer idle time is ok in winter while you clear snow and ice from the windshield and other car parts.”
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In colder weather, drivers should avoid harsh revving and fast speeds before the engine warms up (Image: Getty)
Whilst drivers previously needed to pull the choke out to warm up the engine in cold weather, the AAA highlighted that modern vehicles are happy to run in almost all temperatures.
However, when it is cold outside, it is generally a good idea to let the engine idle for a few seconds while the motorist is fastening their seat belt or adjusting the heating and ventilation controls.
Letting the engine warm up before setting off can help drivers ensure that all parts are correctly lubricated whilst also helping to maintain optimum fuel economy, helping motorists save a significant amount of money in the long run.
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Drivers should avoid idling for long periods of time, which could put them at risk of fines (Image: Getty)
The AAA also warned that the common belief that motorists need to rev their engine at a higher rate in cold weather in a bid to warm up the engine is false.
Whilst some motorists think that doing this will help to get the engine working harder, therefore producing more heat, in reality drivers are simply putting more stress on the engine and could lead to heavier fuel consumption and the risk of component failure.
Instead, drivers should try to avoid exceeding more than 3,500rpm, taking the first few miles of the journey slowly and shifting up a gear where possible.
Similarly, whilst running the engine on the driveway or parked on the street can help the engine warm up, drivers should not leave their car idling for several minutes at a time.
Doing this could lead to motorists receiving a fine for pollution, with the engine still burning fuel and emitting carbon dioxide. In these cases, drivers will typically receive a fine of £20, which could increase to a maximum of £80 if it is not paid in time.
Those who leave their car unattended to warm up could also risk being the victim of theft, with most insurers refusing to pay out for cases in which a vehicle is stolen with the keys left inside.