Why You Should Never Leave Your Car Warming Up Unattended in Winter 

On frosty mornings, it’s tempting to start your car and head back inside while it warms up. But leaving your vehicle running unattended—even for a few minutes—can lead to serious consequences.

Theft Risk

Unattended cars with engines running are easy targets for opportunistic thieves. This type of crime, often called “frosting or frost jacking,” spikes during cold months. Worse still, if your car is stolen while left running and unattended, your insurer is likely to reject your claim. Always stay with your vehicle and secure it properly. 

Legal Consequences

In many areas, it’s illegal to leave a vehicle idling unattended on a public road. You could face fines or penalty points for breaking this rule—even if your intentions were good.

Environmental Impact

Idling engines waste fuel and release unnecessary emissions. Warming up your car while parked contributes to air pollution and harms the environment.

Modern Engines Don’t Need It

Today’s engines are designed to warm up quickly while driving. In fact, idling can be less efficient and may even cause engine wear over time.

Stay safe and smart this winter: scrape your windows, stay with your vehicle, and drive gently until it warms up.