Do Cars Need to Warm Up?

[JudeDella]

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.

[DeAliyah]

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.

[StevenFitz]

From a technical perspective, modern automotive design has indeed made significant progress, eliminating the need for old-fashioned warm-up routines. Having studied automotive engineering, I can confirm that electronic fuel injection systems adjust the air-fuel mixture immediately upon startup, unlike carbureted vehicles of the past that required 3-5 minutes of warm-up. Today's vehicles only need about 20 seconds of idling after startup before driving at moderate speeds, which actually warms up the engine faster and more efficiently. Prolonged idling to warm up merely wastes fuel, increases emissions, and may even damage the catalytic converter, harming the environment. My personal practice is to wait only until the dashboard lights stabilize before driving off, which I find makes the engine more responsive. Even mechanics recommend this approach during maintenance, stating it saves fuel and prolongs component lifespan, debunking the myth that traditional warm-up is necessary.

[DiHector]

I'm an urban commuter who drives a small car to work, and I don't think warming up the car is a big deal. On cold days, I wait at most half a minute after starting before setting off. After all, traffic in the city is slow, and the engine temperature naturally rises as I drive. Prolonged idling just wastes fuel and increases emissions, polluting the air and burning money. Car manufacturers' data shows that modern engines are optimized for cold starts, and driving right away is more eco-friendly. As long as I regularly check that the oil level is sufficient, it's both convenient and practical.