Do Cars Need to Warm Up?
2 Answers
Cars need to warm up because over 90% of engine component wear occurs within the first three minutes after a cold start. After prolonged parking, engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when starting the engine after extended periods of inactivity, the upper part of the engine lacks proper lubrication. Waiting for two minutes of idle operation after starting allows the oil to fully circulate, reducing engine wear and extending its service life. Not warming up the car leaves the engine in a state of dry friction, causing wear to the engine, transmission, and various engine components, ultimately shortening the engine's lifespan.
Nowadays, whether to warm up the car or not—after talking about cars for so many years, I've found that it really depends on the situation. I'm the type who prefers to let the engine idle for a minute or two after starting it in cold weather, always feeling it's better for the engine. Especially in winter when temperatures are low, engine oil flows poorly, and driving hard right away increases piston friction, leading to wear and higher repair costs later. In Northeast China, where it's -20°C, I warm it up for five minutes every time; in the scorching summer down south, just idling for ten seconds before driving off is enough. However, with advanced electronic technology in new cars nowadays, waiting just 20-30 seconds for oil pressure to stabilize is usually sufficient, followed by driving at low speed for two or three kilometers to warm up naturally. Developing this habit can extend engine life—just don’t delay oil changes too long, pay attention to using the right oil viscosity for the season, and avoid dry friction. Overall, taking good care of your car never hurts.
