The cold temperatures of winter, especially in places where snow and ice are usually present, add a dose of discomfort when getting into the car. Both early in the morning and at night, temperatures plummet and the cabin reaches freezing levels, making heating the interior of the vehicle a priority to ensure a more comfortable and safer driving experience.
When appealing to road safety, the first thing we must take into account is that when we get behind the wheel we must guarantee our own freedom of movement, as referred to in article 18.1 of the Highway Code. For this reason, we must do without a coat and other bulky clothing, such as a scarf or gloves, which could limit our agility and ability to react when driving.
At the same time, we will also avoid the possibility of an agent sanctioning us for this reason with a fine that can reach up to 200 euros.
To achieve a comfort temperature inside the car of between 21 and 23 degrees, as recommended by the DGT, we will have to wait a few minutes. The feeling of cold until the desired temperature is reached will be less in cars that have heated seats and steering wheel, extras that are generally equipped on high-end vehicles, but in the end, in all cases, the air conditioning ends up fulfilling its mission.
If the car is parked outdoors and we find that the windows are covered by a layer of snow or ice, we must remove the blanket very carefully before setting off. Using an ice scraper or a specific spatula for this purpose will make the task easier without the risk of scratching the glass.
Upon entering the car, we start the engine and turn on the heated rear window so that the rear window defogs. We must wait at least two minutes with the engine idling before activating the heating, since, by doing so previously, when the engine has not yet reached its optimal temperature, the air that reaches the passenger compartment tends to be cold. Turning on the heating system before the engine is warm is a mistake that most people make.
After waiting two minutes with the car idling and the engine oil reaching the proper temperature, we will begin our journey. It is essential to avoid sudden acceleration at the beginning and activate the heating gradually.
Initially, we will direct the heating towards our feet and the front windshield to prevent the windows from fogging up and distribute the warm air evenly throughout the cabin.
After allowing a few minutes to pass, it is advisable to activate the air recirculation option, allowing the ventilation system to reuse the internal heating instead of taking air from outside. When we reach this point, we can enjoy a comfort temperature that in no case should be higher than 23 degrees.
Driving with a high temperature can alter the ability of the person behind the wheel, cause fatigue and produce aggression.
