Warming Up Your Car—and Other Winter Myths

Maybe cold weather does something to our brains. Maybe it slows our thinking so that we become more set in our ways and less open to change. Or maybe when skies are bleak, we’re just naturally drawn to old, comforting advice. Whatever the case, there are some winter myths that need to be blown away because they can directly affect the health and safety of you and your family. See if you can ice our true-and-false quiz.

1. A bundled-up child is even safer in a car seat.
a. True
b. False

2. Heart attacks are more likely to occur in winter.
a. True
b. False

3. A cup of coffee will help you power-through snow shoveling.
a. True
b. False

4. Cars need to be warmed up when it’s cold.
a. True
b. False

5. Sunscreen is unnecessary during winter.
a. True
b. False

Answers

1. b. False. A thick jacket or snowsuit can compromise a car seat’s effectiveness. To see for yourself, put your child in his car seat wearing his typical winter outfit. Adjust the harnesses to fit, remove him from the seat, take off his coat, and then put him back in. If you can fit two or more fingers under the harness at the child’s shoulders, then the jacket is too thick and the straps may be too loose to protect him in a crash. Instead, try tucking a blanket over the child once he’s secured with no jacket or a light jacket. Or put his coat on backwards over his arms after he’s strapped in.

2. a. True. Research shows that cold weather makes the heart work harder, increases its need for oxygen, and even raises cholesterol concentrations. Plus, differences in atmospheric pressure (like skiing at high altitude) can affect blood pressure.

3. b. False. Caffeine, cigarettes, and even decongestants constrict blood vessels, raise pulse rates, and can put an additional strain on your heart. So wait to have that cup until after the walk is clear.

4. b. False. Unless you’re still driving a Gremlin, your car is essentially ready to go. Let it idle for no more than 30 seconds to ensure proper lubrication. In fact, a cold engine will warm up faster when it’s being driven. Bonus: Less idling means less gas (and money) wasted.

5. b. False. Even though the sun is lower in the sky and less intense, snow reflects just as much ultraviolet light (90%) as sand and water. And—skiers and snowboarders, take note—for every 1,000 feet above sea level you travel, the sun’s UV radiation increases by 5%. So apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you or your little ones will be outside for an extended period.