Quick Answer
It is not safe to keep your engine running during a blizzard, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning outweighs the benefits of warmth. Leaving the engine running can also decrease visibility and create a potential fire hazard.
Engine Safety Risks in Extreme Weather
Leaving your engine running for an extended period during a blizzard is a serious safety risk. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. A running engine can produce up to 20,000 parts per million (ppm) of CO in a closed space. This is significantly higher than the 400 ppm threshold at which CO poisoning can occur, even in well-ventilated areas. To put this in perspective, if you are stranded in your car and the temperature is below 32°F (0°C), the risk of CO poisoning increases dramatically.
Alternative Heat Sources
If you find yourself stranded in your car during a blizzard, there are safer alternatives to keeping your engine running. Consider the following options to stay warm: using hand warmers or foot warmers, which can provide up to 12 hours of heat, or turning on the car’s interior heating system without the engine running. This will use the car’s battery, but it is a much safer option than leaving the engine running. Additionally, if you have a block heater, you can plug it in and let the car warm up before starting the engine.
Visibility and Fire Hazards
A running engine can also decrease visibility during a blizzard by blowing snow and ice into the air. This can make it difficult to see and may increase the risk of an accident. Furthermore, a running engine can create a fire hazard if the snow around the car becomes wet and the engine’s spark plugs ignite it. To mitigate this risk, make sure to clear the area around your car of any snow and ice, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.