Do Modern Cars Need Warm-Up?
2 Answers
Vehicles do require warm-up, but prolonged idling for warm-up is not recommended. Besides idling, another method is low-speed driving warm-up. Below are the reasons why a car might fail to start during warm-up: 1. Carbon Buildup: At high temperatures, carbon deposits have a strong adsorption effect on fuel. Excessive carbon buildup on pistons, throttle valves, and intake pipes can absorb a portion of the fuel, resulting in a lean air-fuel mixture and affecting engine startup. 2. Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor and Intake Air Temperature Sensor: If these sensors are damaged, they cannot provide accurate temperature signals. 3. Fuel System Malfunction: During warm-up, the car's temperature is high. Using low-quality gasoline can cause fuel to evaporate, leading to an overly lean mixture. Additionally, poor fuel pump operation or fuel injector leakage can contribute to the problem.
I remember when I was a kid riding in my dad's car, we always had to wait for over ten minutes before starting in winter. But now, having driven myself for more than a decade, I've long changed that habit. Modern cars are equipped with electronic fuel injection systems, where the oil circulates properly as soon as the engine starts. Unless it's extreme sub-zero weather, you can drive off directly. During my daily commute, after starting the car, I shift into gear and drive slowly for a few minutes. Once the temperature gauge rises, everything's normal. Why waste fuel idling unnecessarily? Prolonged idling actually leads to more carbon buildup, which is costly to fix. Nowadays, designs prioritize efficiency—step on the gas and go, worry-free and eco-friendly, and it's better for the engine too.
