This winter has been a volatile one for extreme weather, and some states are currently under a blanket of snow and cold. In weather like this it can be hard to start your vehicle’s engine and keep it running at optimal levels, and the cold can also cause you problems if you use an ignition interlock device.

When it comes to your ignition interlock it’s not the fact that temperatures outside are hitting the double digit negatives; it’s that when you breath into an interlock when it’s really cold outside, the moisture from your breath can freeze onto the inner circuitry of the interlock and cause issues. The issues are only temporary, but there are ways to avoid them.

A good battery will be your best friend in cold weather

You can’t start your car without a good battery providing the power, and it’s even more important to have a good battery to fire the engine in very cold weather. The same rule goes for your ignition interlock, and because the battery provides the power to your device, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip top shape.

Hang and tap your ignition interlock

To keep moisture away from the internal circuitry of your ignition interlock, hang it upside down in your vehicle, remove the mouthpiece, and after you warm it, tap down gently a couple of times on your knee. That will remove any moisture that may have collected in the mouthpiece before you blow.

Bring your ignition interlock inside

If your state has regulations that allow you to disconnect your ignition interlock, you can bring it inside with you when you know the temperatures are going to dip outside. That way you never have to worry about it being cold because it’s already warm from being inside.

Do a interlock warm-up cycle

There are two ways you can do a warm-up cycle for your ignition interlock. You can program a warm-up if you start your vehicle at the exact same time every day, and that way your interlock will be ready to go when you are.

You can also do a manual warm-up cycle. Just turn your key to wake your ignition interlock, then immediately turn it back off again. The “Wait” light will come on to ask you to test, but you shouldn’t blow at this point. Let the device turn off for two minutes, then turn the key on again and take the test.

Cold, ice, snow: no one really enjoys the winter weather when the temperatures plummet to extreme levels, but you can still continue on with life as you normally would, even with an interlock, as long as you take a few extra steps.

If you have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle, you know that there are certain rules and regulations to using it. When you’re about to drive you have to blow into it to start your vehicle. If you’re driving and you receive an alert to take a rolling retest, you must take it or you’ll have to pull over and your car will stop working.

But what if you fail your ignition interlock test? What happens then and why would it happen in the first place? There are a few reasons why you might receive a fail when you blow into your interlock.

You’ve just rinsed your mouth with mouthwash

If you use mouthwash on a regular basis, you might want to give it up while you have an ignition interlock. Some types of mouthwash can contain up to 30% alcohol, so if you use right it before you test you could receive a fail. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water before you test just in case you still have mouthwash residue.

You’re taking cold medicine

Just like mouthwash, cold medicines like Nyquil contain alcohol. Although the amount of alcohol isn’t the same as if you were drinking a glass of beer or wine, having it in your system can still result in you failing your ignition interlock test.

You’ve been drinking alcohol

The number one reason why you would fail your ignition interlock test is because you’ve been drinking alcohol. It doesn’t matter if you only have one glass of beer or wine; because ignition interlocks are set to detect low levels of alcohol, if you’ve been drinking your car won’t start.

When you fail your ignition interlock test because of mouth wash or cold medicine, all you have to do is rinse your mouth with water, take your test again, and your car should start. If you fail it because of drinking alcohol, you won’t have the option to drive your car until there is no alcohol in your system.

That complete disabling of your car is the reason why ignition interlock save lives, and they save you from the headache of receiving another DUI conviction because you made the choice to drink and drive again.

If you ask someone charged with drunk driving what the hardest part of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is, they will probably tell you it’s the drivers license suspension. Not being able to drive to work, to school, or to get your family around can be very difficult for someone who is used to the freedom of driving, and on top of that it’s embarrassing and expensive.

Depending on what state you’re in, you could be eligible to get your drivers license back before your period of license suspension is up. A hardship license will be issued to someone who has had their drivers license revoked, and it will only allow you to drive under certain circumstances or provided you install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

The requirements to receive a hardship license vary, and you’ll most likely have to prove that you’re enduring hardship because you no longer have a drivers license. Some states require you to send in a written request while others require that you take drug and alcohol counseling.

When you’ve been approved, you’ll be notified as to the restrictions that come with your hardship drivers license. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device immediately upon receiving your hardship license, or you may only be allowed to drive to and from work.

Once you’ve been driving with a restricted license, you aren’t going to want to lose it for any reason. Violating the restrictions of the license means it could be revoked, and once it is you won’t be able to get it back. Some states also require that you go back to square one as far as duration of drivers license suspension too.

Having a hardship license doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for driving under the influence (DUI), but just like ignition interlock devices, it can be looked at like a lifeline after you’ve made a really bad decision. If you’re fortunate enough to qualify for a hardship license, take the opportunity and get your life back on track.

Once you have a driving under the influence (DUI) charge on your record, life can become a blur of paperwork, court dates, license suspensions, and even a short or long-term stint in jail. But there is life after DUI, and the easiest part of getting back on your feet and getting back on the road is installing a Guardian Interlock device.

It might look like it’s difficult to begin the interlock process, but Guardian Interlock makes it really easy. Just watch this video and you’ll see everything explained in less than one minute.

All you have to do is give Guardian Interlock a quick call and make an appointment at one of their local service centers. Once there, you’ll meet an experience technician who can install your interlock device, show you all the steps required for using it properly, and send off your recording data to the State. You’ll also need to check back in for interlock device calibration on occasion.

Once your Guardian Interlock is installed, you’ll need to blow into it to test your breath. Once the device confirms you have no alcohol in your system, your car will start normally. Some states require rolling retests, so you may also be required to blow into the device while you’re driving.

Guardian Interlock is committed to making your interlock program as easy as possible, so they offer the best technology, the best service, and the best price. Give them a call – night or day, 365 days per year, you’ll find Guardian Interlock there for support during your interlock program.

Check out the video, and when you give Guardian Interlock a call, mention ‘Guardian Video’ to receive a special discount on your interlock device.