With snow on the ground and temperatures dropping, Iowans may think they need to let their vehicles warm up before hitting the road. But that isn't necessarily the case.

Using electric heaters in extremely cold temperatures or warming up only the interior of a vehicle are efficient ways to improve a car's performance in winter weather, according to AAA . Despite popular belief, letting your car warm up while you get ready for work isn't always the best for your vehicle. Here's what AAA says.

How long do you need to let cars warm up?

Modern vehicles no longer need a lengthy time to warm up in cold weather. Cars made before 1980 still only need two to three minutes to warm up in cold temperatures, according to AAA .

Vehicles made after 1980 only need a few seconds, while electric and

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