Freezing temperatures make the morning routine miserable. You run out to the driveway, start your car, crank up the heater, and run back inside to finish your coffee. Unfortunately, while this habit beats the chill, police are issuing a serious warning: it makes you a prime target.
Thieves actively hunt for idling cars in residential neighborhoods. In fact, it takes less than thirty seconds for someone to spot the exhaust plumes, hop in, and drive away with your vehicle. Furthermore, you don’t just have to worry about theft; legal and financial consequences lurk too.
The Truth About “Puffing”
Police call this practice “puffing” because of the exhaust clouds coming from an empty car. Surprisingly, leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running is illegal in many states. You could walk outside to find your car gone and a ticket waiting in the driveway.
Law enforcement officers patrol specifically for this violation during cold snaps. Although they want to prevent thefts, they will issue citations to drivers who leave keys in the ignition of an unattended vehicle. Frankly, that is a ticket you do not need.
Why Insurance Might Deny Your Claim
Here is the part that really hurts. If a thief steals your car while you left it running with keys inside, your insurance company might deny your payout. Many policies contain clauses about “preventable theft” or negligence.
Imagine owing payments on a car you no longer possess simply because you wanted a warm seat. Fighting that insurance battle is a nightmare. Therefore, the easiest way to win is to never give them a reason to deny you.
The Myth of Engine Warming
Modern cars do not need to idle for ten minutes to run properly. On the contrary, idling for long periods can strip oil from critical components. Most mechanics agree that thirty seconds provides plenty of time for oil circulation.
Driving gently for the first few minutes warms the engine faster than sitting in the driveway. Consequently, you waste gas, risk theft, and potentially hurt your engine all at once.
How Thieves Spot You
Criminals are opportunistic. They drive through subdivisions specifically looking for that tell-tale exhaust smoke. They know smoke usually implies a key in the ignition and an unlocked door. Thus, this crime of opportunity happens in the blink of an eye.
Some thieves even work in pairs—one drives the getaway car while the other jumps into your idling vehicle. By the time you hear the engine rev, it is already too late.
Protect Your Ride
The only safe way to warm up your car is to sit inside it. Alternatively, use a remote starter that keeps the doors locked. Don’t risk your vehicle, your insurance coverage, and your peace of mind for a few minutes of heat. Grab a coat, brave the cold, and stay with your car.
Do you still run outside to start your car, or do you have a remote starter that saves the day? Let me know in the comments!
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The post Police Warn: Leaving Your Car to ‘Warm Up’ This Week Could Cost You Everything appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
