Do Cars Need to Warm Up in Winter?
3 Answers
Winter cars need to warm up, the main reason is: after the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. After the car is started, 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 operate and deliver oil to the engine components that need lubrication, such as pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts. The correct way to warm up the car: the engine speed should not exceed 3000 to 3500 revolutions per minute, maintain 2000 revolutions, and wait for the engine temperature to rise to the normal operating temperature (which takes 3 to 5 minutes), then you can resume normal driving.
When it comes to the topic of warming up the car in winter, I think it's necessary to discuss it. In winter, when the temperature is low, the performance of a cold engine start will deteriorate. The engine oil inside becomes thicker and doesn't flow easily to lubricate the parts. If you start driving without warming up the car slightly, it may increase engine wear, and in severe cases, it can lead to malfunctions or shaking. Over the years of driving, I've encountered many cases in cold regions, such as driving on the highway without warming up the car, resulting in the engine overheating warning light coming on halfway, which is quite dangerous. Experts recommend waiting at least 10 to 30 seconds after starting the engine, allowing the engine sound to stabilize before moving, so the oil can flow and protect the components. At the same time, take the opportunity to check the antifreeze and battery status to avoid bigger problems caused by freezing. Safety is the most important; winter driving is already challenging, so spending a little more time warming up the car is worth it. Don't risk damaging the car to save a little time.
From a technical perspective, I understand why warming up the car in winter is important. The engine is full of metal components, which contract in cold weather, increasing the clearance between parts. If you drive without preheating, the oil won't lubricate in time, increasing friction. Over time, this can easily damage pistons or bearings. I've seen some cars develop louder engine noises after months of cold starts without warming up. It's recommended to wait half a minute to a minute after starting in winter, until the temperature gauge shows slight signs of rising, indicating sufficient warming. Also, don't forget to choose the right seasonal oil—low-viscosity oils like 5W-30 flow faster in cold conditions. Regular maintenance combined with brief warm-ups can help your car run longer and smoother. Actually, gently pressing the accelerator and driving slowly can also help warm up the engine, which is much better than just idling.
