Guide to Using Your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in Cold Weather
Once your interlock device is installed, you will have the freedom to drive and get where you need to go. The devices are easy to use and built to withstand temperature fluctuations. However, intense cold can cause your device to take a little longer to warm up and use a bit more energy.
Luckily, there are ways to combat any potential IID problems in cold weather that might crop up. Intoxalock has several ignition interlock cold weather tips to help you protect your interlock from cold weather.
Get Your Car Ready for Winter: Check Your Car Battery
Cold weather can drain your car battery and make it work harder to move frozen engine parts. Before winter begins, one of the top ignition interlock cold weather tips is to check your battery's expiration date and, if it’s still good, have it tested to ensure it's in good shape. Many auto parts stores, as well as many Intoxalock service centers, may do this for you.
Keep Your IID Running Smoothly in Cold Temperatures
1. Use Sleep Mode
If you’re not driving your car for a while, turn on your IID’s sleep mode to save battery life. (Note: Sleep mode is not available in NY.)
2. Disconnect Your Handheld
Check if you’re allowed to disconnect your device to bring it inside. In many states, you can disconnect your device to keep it warm indoors, which helps it work faster in cold weather and preserves battery life. However, if disconnecting your device isn’t permitted in your state, it could be considered a tampering violation. If you’re unsure, ask an Intoxalock representative to avoid any issues.
3. Store Your IID Safely
Keep your ignition interlock device in a dry, secure spot inside your car, like a mounted holder or on the dashboard. Don’t put it on the floor, where it’s coldest and might get wet or dirty. Placing it upside down can also help prevent moisture from building up inside.
4. Warm Up the Device
Before pressing the device's activation button, blow into its mouthpiece 3–4 times to gently warm it up. This may help the device respond faster in the cold.
5. Use an Intoxalock Cold Weather Sleeve
Another ignition interlock device cold-weather tip is to protect your IID with a cold weather sleeve, available from Intoxalock in some purchase bundles. It helps keep the device insulated in freezing weather. If you don’t have an Intoxalock cold weather sleeve, you can slip your handheld device into something you already have at home, like a thick towel, a warm glove, or oven mitt.
Winter Tips for Driving with an IID in Your Vehicle
1. Drive Often
Driving your car regularly helps keep the battery charged, so your IID stays ready when you need it. Aim to drive at least 20 minutes every couple days. Idling your vehicle is not as effective at recharging your battery as driving.
2. Don’t Walk Away
One of the most important Intoxalock tips and tricks is to always stay with your car while it’s running to ensure you complete any required random retests. Many states require random retests, even if the car is in park. Staying close ensures you can complete these tests to avoid violations.
3. Create a Barrier for Your Windshield
Ice on your windshield can make it harder to warm up your vehicle. Another key ignition interlock cold weather tip is to park in a covered area, like a garage or carport, to protect both your car and IID. If that’s not an option, use a frost guard or household items like a tablecloth or sheet to prevent snow and ice buildup. When parking outdoors, you can also position your windshield to face the sun during the day to help reduce ice accumulation.
4. Give Yourself Extra Time
Before starting your car, warm up your device by blowing warm air into it (without activating it). Once your device is activated, wait a few minutes before taking the breath test to let the device warm up. Removing the mouthpiece when parked can also prevent it from getting uncomfortably cold. Following these tips may add a few extra minutes to your commute, so allow yourself the extra time so you can drive safely.
Cold Weather Don’ts
You may be tempted to try a creative solution to warm up or protect your device, but do not. Trying unorthodox methods may result in damage to the device, which will end up costing you a good amount of money to replace. Avoid the following tricks:
1. Check State Rules Before Unplugging
Once again, don’t unplug or disconnect your device and bring it inside unless you’re sure it’s allowed in your state. Some states allow certain devices to be unplugged, but if not, doing so could be considered a violation.
2. Avoid Hot Liquids
Do not pour hot liquid down the air tube. Don’t attempt to warm up your Intoxalock device using hot liquid. The liquid will damage the device, and it will not help the device warm-up.
3. Don’t Use Extreme Heat Sources
Don’t attempt to heat your interlock by microwaving it, holding it over a stove, radiator, or any other heat source.
For more tips on what not to do with your ignition interlock, check out this guide.
Intoxalock Cold Weather FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I take my Intoxalock device inside?
A: In many states, you are allowed to disconnect your Intoxalock device and bring it inside to keep it warm during cold weather. This can help the device work faster and preserve battery life. However, some states consider disconnecting the device a tampering violation. If you're unsure about the rules in your state, contact an Intoxalock representative for clarification before taking the device inside.
Q: Why does my interlock device take longer to respond in the cold?
A: Cold weather can make the device take a few extra seconds to warm up so it can take an accurate reading. Follow our ignition interlock cold weather tips to warm-up your device and reduce wait time.
Q: How can I keep my Intoxalock device warm during cold weather?
A: To keep your device warm, you can:
- Use an Intoxalock cold weather sleeve or a thick insulating material to insulate your ignition interlock device.
- Store it in a dry, elevated spot in your car, such as a dashboard-mounted holder.
- Warm it up by gently blowing into the mouthpiece before activating it.
Q: Can I use a heater or hairdryer to warm my IID?
A: No, using external heaters or hairdryers can damage the device. If your state allows it, you can disconnect the device and bring it inside to keep it warm. Alternatively, blow into the device a few times before activating it, and store it high off the floor of your car, wrapped in an insulating material.
Q: Why does my car battery drain faster in the winter?
A: Cold weather can put extra strain on your vehicle’s battery. Driving regularly, disconnecting your device, or using your IID’s sleep mode when your car is parked for long periods can help maintain battery life (Note: Sleep mode is not available in NY and disconnection is not allowed in several states. Ask an Intoxalock representative if allowed in your state).
Intoxalock devices include a low-battery indicator, so you can easily monitor your battery’s condition. If your battery voltage gets too low, the device will alert you. A low battery on an in-date battery might also signal issues with your alternator or the battery itself, so be sure to investigate further if needed.
Stay Warm and Drive Worry-Free This Winter
With the right precautions, your IID is built to perform reliably in any weather. By following these simple tips, you can keep your IID device working well, no matter how cold it gets.
If you have questions, need more ignition interlock cold weather tips, or just need help with your IID, give us a call, or log into MyAccount. At Intoxalock, we’re here to make winter driving easy and stress-free!
