Fact or Myth: Do you need to warm your car up in the winter?

A Madison auto expert says cars out on the road these days do not need to be warmed up but engines always run better when they are warm.

Paul Flogel, Program Director for the Automotive Technology Department at Madison Area Technical College, says warming up your car's engine probably isn't necessary.

"It's opinionated but for the most part, yes, a modern day vehicle is built to start up and drive as designed so technically no you don't have to idle your car to warm it up," Flogel said.

But Flogel says in general cars run better when the engine is warm. However, warming it up is likely not going to impact how the fluids run through the engine.

"The fluids we use today, the oils we use today, fuel injection, the technology we use today, there's not requirement that says they are designed to start up in whatever temperature," Flogel said.

He says your car's automotive manual will not include requirements on warming up your car. He also says car warranties do require owners to warm up their cars in cold temperatures.

He says getting your car in to a auto technician for a winter tune-up is more important than warming it up. He says you should get your car in to see a professional before the winter weather brings below zero temperatures or inches of snow are on the ground. He says shops can get busy this time of year.

There are a few things he recommends people should check on their own:

He says, first of all, make sure you're using a windshield wiper fluid can withstand below freezing temperatures. Manufacturers make a summer and a winter bled. He says check to make sure you have a winter blend. The withstanding temperature will be marked on the label of the bottle.

He also recommends making sure you always have enough oil. He says drivers should use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. He says you can likely find that information on the oil cap in the engine.

Also, make sure you keep a jug of antifreeze in the trunk of your car just in case of emergencies. He says you can buy antifreeze that is already mixed with water so it's ready to be added to an engine.

Drivers should also get their tires checked and ready for winter roads. Cold temperatures in the winter can reduce tire pressure. Flogel says you should be checking your tire pressure to make sure you're not driving on one that is too flat.

Lastly, he says, keep about a half of a tank of gas in your car at all times. He says it could be useful in an emergency and will give the car more weight if it starts to slip on ice.

If you do chose to warm your car up before you take it out, make sure your doors or locked or you are inside to prevent it from being stolen.