Louisiana Car Owners Need to Start Inspecting Under Hoods of Vehicles

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Fall months are here in South Louisiana, and soon winter will be here, and that means temperatures are starting to drop.

As you get into late Fall and into winter, not only do the days start to get shorter, but temperatures start to drop, and that means animals that live outdoors will soon begin to look for warmer places to sleep.

It's no mystery that animals that live outdoors can get into places that they are forbidden, and that includes your vehicle. Cats are known for finding their way into your car, and they often do so when outside when it's cold.

As the nights and mornings get cooler, cats will be looking for places to stay warm, and under the hood of a vehicle is a desirable spot. Sadly, many people have accidentally killed animals that were under the hood of their car when rushing to leave, and that is why I am sharing this reminder with you.

With cooler mornings rapidly approaching, you should start to get into the habit of knocking on your vehicle to startle any animals that may be under the hood or lift the hood each morning to inspect what may be lurking underneath.

Let me warn you, cats aren't the only animals looking for places to stay warm during the winter; rodents and other unwanted guests may be found lurking under your hood, so it's best to inspect your vehicle frequently. So many of us are "animal lovers," and the last thing we want to do is injure or kill an animal like a cat as we leave in the morning.

Additionally, it's a good idea to inspect the top of your tires before entering your vehicle on cold mornings. At times, cats will snuggle at the top of your tires to get off the ground, and the last thing you want to do is drive off with an animal or pet asleep on one of your tires.

I hope this reminder helps you out this winter, and I encourage you to share this with others on social media, as we are all in a rush these days. Still, by reserving a few seconds each morning to inspect our vehicle, we may be able to save the life of an animal or family pet.

How Long Should You Warm Up a Car in Winter

While it doesn't take long to warm up a vehicle on a cold winter morning, it is a good idea to let your vehicle idle for 30 seconds before driving off. This allows the oil in the engine to begin circulating before you drive off.

It is also recommended that you not drive aggressively while your vehicle may still be "Warming up.' Take it slow for a few minutes and allow the fluids in your car to flow freely; this is actually more beneficial than letting your car idle for an extended period.