Do Cars Need to Warm Up in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter car warm-up is necessary, as detailed below: 1. Reason: After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, upon ignition, the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes about 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate the oil to the parts that need lubrication the most, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. 2. Note: Generally, the warm-up time in winter should be maintained for 2~3 minutes. Avoid immediately stepping hard on the accelerator after starting. During driving, keep the engine operating at medium to low speeds for a period until the water temperature rises to 90°, at which point the engine reaches its ideal operating temperature.
I remember when I first started driving, spending winters up north, I had to warm up the car every morning—otherwise, the engine would rattle if driven right after starting. Now, after over a decade of driving, I’ve learned this: a brief warm-up in winter is necessary, but don’t overdo it. The main reason is that cold temperatures thicken the engine oil, and driving at high speeds before it properly circulates can increase engine wear or even shorten its lifespan. My routine is to idle for 30 to 60 seconds after starting, wait for the RPM to stabilize and the oil light to turn off, then drive away at low speed. This protects engine components and allows the transmission to warm up gradually. Plus, the heater kicks in faster, making the cabin more comfortable. Avoid the outdated practice of idling for several minutes—it wastes fuel and increases emissions. In short, a short warm-up is the smart choice, balancing car care and environmental responsibility.
