Driving cars in winter without heat seems like an undesirable ordeal.
After all, with the cold weather outside, and no heating system to keep you warm, how can you possibly manage without freezing?
This is why we address this issue by giving you some pointers, so you can stay warm or at least have a more tolerable experience while driving even if it is frigid outside. Here we go!
Driving Cars In Winter Without Heat
Your car has a thermostat with the sole purpose of regulating the temperature of your engine by allowing your coolant to flow right through the engine for cooling and then heating. This cycle continues to go on while you drive, so your engine is optimal.
But if you have an issue with your thermostat, and you are driving in the dead of winter, then you may have a difficult time doing so. However, you may consider the following steps.
First of all, you need the thermostat to regulate your engine’s operating temperature. It is responsible for generating heat in your car each time you turn the heater on. This is why when you drive without a properly-working thermostat, you run the risk of not getting your preferred temperature in your car.
If the issue is a lack of heat, then you can put some cardboard in the front portion of your radiator, specifically between the grill and the radiator. This way, cold air will be prevented from blowing on your radiator that cools the interior of your car. You can then get some amount of heat from the heater.
You may also consider reducing the mileage of your car when you don’t have a thermostat that’s working properly. Driving without this component tends to trick your engine and makes it detect it is cold outside even when it is not.
In some cases, you may assume that your engine is prone to overheating when there is no thermostat. However, that is not the case at all. When you don’t have a thermostat, your vehicle will not warm to your desired operating temperature. This is why it is unlikely to overheat.
When there is no thermostat, you can expect a constant coolant flow through your engine, resulting in a cooler temperature.
Hence, you should consider getting your thermostat replaced and fixed by a professional sooner than later. This way, you can achieve your desired temperature while improving performance and gas mileage overall.
How To Stay Warm While Driving Without Heat
Having no heat in your vehicle when the temperature outside is low can be a problem. The ride can most certainly be uncomfortable, which is something you would not want to subject yourself into.
So, if this is the situation you are in, here are some tips that can come in handy.
1. Start the car earlier.
Although there is no heat in your car, you should consider starting it for about 10 to 15 minutes. The engine starting up will add more heat underneath the hood. Plus, when you have the fan on, this will warm the inside of your car by at least a few degrees.
2. Use a small heater.
You may not have a heater in your car but you can always buy a portable one. This is a small and compact heater that you can plug into the power socket of your car, which is then attached to the dashboard.
As a result, the front portion, as well as the top part and all around the vehicle gets warmer. The fan has a high power that makes this possible, as well as vents strategically placed to target the inside and the windshield of your vehicle.
3. Heated Travel Mug
While this will not really make your car warm, you can at least warm up your hands with a heated travel mug. Plug the cup into the power socket and this can help achieve a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Windshield Cover
This only works, however, when you have your car parked. But if you do decide to take a break from driving in the cold, set up a windshield cover to get some insulation and keep the ice off. You can also get a little bit warm along the process.
5. Block Heater
This is something you can easily buy at an auto supply store. What this does is it allows you to plug it right into an outlet and warms the engine and fluids even if it is frigid outside. The heater also supports the engine’s components so they perform better while heating the engine up quicker. Hence, you will feel a bit warmer in the car.
6. Use a seat warmer
Some cars have seat warmers built right into them. But if yours does not have this component, you can still buy portable, plug-in ones without any problem. The seat cover keeps you warm by thawing out the cold temperature inside the vehicle.
7. Stay warm with wool blankets.
When driving, you can have some wool blankets on your lap or at least on the seat cover. The wool helps to trap air with its insulating properties. Hence, you can stay a little bit warm inside the car.
8. Steering Wheel Warmer
And lastly, you may want to check out some steering wheel warmers and use these to keep your hands warm as you drive. This way, you can prevent cold and stiff hands, which makes driving hard. The steering wheel warmers release about 95 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit of warm temperature to keep your hands nice and toasty.
Conclusion
These are just some of the things you can do to stay warm if you have to drive your car in the winter without heat. By following these tips and also getting your thermostat fixed, in the case of a busted thermostat, you can drive with greater ease even when it is cold outside and stay safe along the way.