Do Small Cars Need to Warm Up in Winter?

[Yvonne]

Winter car warm-up is necessary; after the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Reasons for warming up the car in winter: Lack of lubrication: After the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil inside the engine flows back into the oil pan at the bottom. Therefore, when starting the engine after a long period of inactivity (such as overnight), 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 of the engine that need lubrication the most, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. When driving immediately after starting the engine, as long as you don’t press the accelerator pedal hard for rapid acceleration and maintain low-speed operation, the effect is the same as idling. Low fuel supply temperature: Before the engine reaches its operating temperature (approximately between 90-110 degrees Celsius), the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize the gasoline completely due to the low temperature. When the gasoline is not vaporized and remains in a wet, liquid state, it is difficult to burn and start the engine. At this time, the choke valve comes into play, restricting some air from entering the cylinder to increase the gasoline/air mixture ratio and raising the engine speed to prevent stalling.

[Oliver]

Do you need to warm up a car in winter? I think it depends on the age of the car. Having driven for decades, older cars indeed required longer warm-up times to get the engine up to temperature. But with modern cars equipped with advanced engine management systems, just waiting about half a minute after starting is enough for the oil to begin circulating and lubricating. Then, drive out gently, and the engine temperature will rise quickly. Prolonged idling actually wastes fuel and increases pollution, as the engine doesn’t heat up much at idle. Also, pay attention to the battery condition during cold starts in winter and maintain the lubrication system well for smoother driving. Remember, safety first—don’t rush to floor the accelerator after starting; drive slowly for a short distance first. This protects the engine while saving fuel and being eco-friendly.

[LeIvan]

As a young driver, I hardly ever warm up my car specifically in winter. After starting the engine, I wait about 20 seconds to let the oil circulate slightly, then directly shift into gear and drive slowly. Controlling the speed for the first minute or two ensures the engine warms up naturally. Most modern car models are designed this way, and the manual emphasizes avoiding prolonged idling to warm up the car—it wastes fuel, is less eco-friendly, and may cause exhaust pipe condensation issues. Here’s a practical tip: The time spent clearing frost from the windows in winter is enough to warm up the engine, saving time and effort. Regularly checking coolant and oil levels can prevent winter startup issues, making driving more worry-free.

[GrahamFitz]

I prioritize family practicality in my daily car use, and there's no need to warm up the car for too long in winter. After starting the engine, wait for 30 seconds—use this time to adjust the seat or check the rearview mirror—then begin driving slowly. The engine warms up faster while in motion, making it more efficient and safer than idling, and avoids unnecessary fuel waste. Additionally, pay attention to winter tire pressure and battery health to ensure smooth driving. Developing good habits also makes the car more durable.