A “hidden gem” of a button that can be “easily missed” on your dashboard could help you warm up your car even faster on icy mornings.
Warming your engine and trying to get heat circulating around your car in cold weather can often feel like a harder task than driving itself.
However, at the press of a simple button the experience can become miles easier, allowing you to get on the road quicker.
Expert mechanics from LockingWheelnutsRemoved revealed the way to help de-mist windows and make it warm inside your vehicle in a matter of moments.
They said some vehicles may have a little-known button, hidden in plain sight, that is designed to heat your engine faster.
Many drivers may overlook features such as this one as they may seem overly technical, despite them being straightforward to use.
They added: “This little-known feature isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changer for preserving your car’s engine health and enhancing your winter driving experience.”
It takes just “minutes” to see whether your car has the “hidden gem” that could save you time, money and any frustration from cold starts.
The “hidden button” is often part of a car’s engine heating system or advanced start-up features, designed to improve performance during cold weather.
Often, newer vehicles include an “auxiliary heater” button that can preheat the engine and cabin of the car using the electrical or fuel systems.
Some other vehicles which have remote start capabilities or “eco mode” also use this feature to help heat up the engine faster.
The experts highlighted that drivers may also miss the button as it’s not always clearly labelled or highlighted in the owner’s manual.
Typically, it can be found near the climate controls of your car or in the infotainment system, making it easy to look past.
They also warned motorists against driving on a cold engine as it can lead to increased wear and tear of the vehicle.
The experts added: “When your engine starts cold, oil isn’t circulated as effectively, leading to increased friction and potential long-term damage to vital components.”
By allowing your engine to warm up properly, oil can flow more smoothly and this reduces the strain on your car and improves fuel efficiency.
On top of this, a warmer engine leads to a more comfortable ride, according to the experts, as quicker defrosting and cabin heating makes frosty starts “far less miserable”.
To find the button in your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual and look for terms referring to an “auxiliary heater”, “eco start”, or “remote start”.
SNOW and ice can make driving a difficult task but there are things drivers can do to make their journeys a little easier - not to mention safer.
Prepare your car before driving
Make sure you check over your car before setting off for your journey.
Windscreens can get dirty in winter conditions so having your screen wash topped up is a must.
Keep an emergency winter kit
No driver plans to break down but it happens and often at the most inconvenient times.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in the car just in case, especially if it’s dark out and temperatures have plummeted.
It’s also worth keeping de-icer in the pack so you have some ready for those frosty mornings.
Check your tyres
Most drivers will tend to forget to check their tyres, but this could be a costly mistake, particularly during the winter.
If your tyres aren’t up to scratch, you’re more likely to skid on the roads – and you could also get a fine.
In the UK and Europe, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, as experts recommend 3mm.
Having less than 1.6mm or bald tyres can get you a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre – that’s £10,000 if all four are bald.
You could also get three penalty points added to your licence.
While most areas in the UK don’t get Arctic conditions, if you are concerned then it could be worth investing in winter tyres.
Keep your car clean
A car’s licence plate needs to be kept readable at all time.
Plates have to be clear enough to be read by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
If they aren’t readable, drivers could find themselves with a £1,000 fine.
Check your plates, and if they are covered in snow or dirt, give them a clean before driving.
Drive smoothly
Driving in snow and ice can reduce a drivers grip to the road.
If you suddenly jerk, this can cause your car to lose its grip and control on the road.
Causing an accident due to careless driving, even in bad weather conditions, can see a driver fined.
Motorists can be slapped with an “unlimited” fine and a three to nine-point penalty.
Keep at a distance from other drivers
Keep a good distance between yourself and the driver in front.
If you need to suddenly stop, it can take longer to stop on snow and ice than on normal road conditions.
Be wary when driving on hills
When driving on hills, it’s best to avoid stopping on them when it has been snowing or is icy.
If you think you may have to stop on the hill, either wait at the bottom or the top before travelling further to avoid needing to stop.
Go slowly when driving up and down hills, and keep control of your car at all times.
Brake gently
Braking heavily can make the tyres lock, which means you have less control and could risk a crash.
Before heading out onto the snowy roads, check our seven do’s and don’ts before driving.
You can also check your climate control system for labels such as a “heater booster”, or for any options marked as “climate” or “engine start” on your infotainment system.
If you’re still struggling to find it, you can always ask an expert such as a professional mechanic.
For those who aren’t fortunate enough to have the feature in their vehicle, there are some alternative options.
You may opt to install a remote starter in your car that can warm it up before you even step out of the front door.
Engine block heaters can also be used – they plug into your home’s electrical system to keep your engine warm overnight.
Above all, proper maintenance of your motor, including regular oil changes and using the right viscosity of oil, can help improve your engine’s cold-weather performance.
