Does a car need to warm up?
4 Answers
Does a car need to warm up? First of all, it is essential to clarify that warming up a car before driving is very necessary. When the engine is just started, its temperature is low, and the lubricating oil in various parts has not yet reached its proper position. Driving immediately can cause dry friction between mechanical parts, leading to wear and tear on components. The warm-up time does not need to be too long. The standard for judgment is: when the water temperature gauge needle just starts to move, or after starting, the engine tachometer drops back to idle speed, the car can be driven. This usually takes about one minute. After the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the lower part of the engine. Therefore, when the engine 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 circulate the oil to the parts of the engine that need lubrication the most, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft.
I've been driving for over 20 years and remember how older engines required several minutes of warm-up to allow oil to fully lubricate components before driving, otherwise wear would increase. But now my new car doesn't need such prolonged warm-up at all - modern lubrication systems heat up quickly, and the manual states you can drive off after about 30 seconds of idling, which saves fuel and is eco-friendly. However, during sub-zero winter days, I'll warm up for half a minute to ensure clear visibility and prevent windshield frost. In short, warm-up should be reasonable - don't overdo it and waste fuel. Adapting to different seasons and vehicle conditions is wiser.
As a young person who just bought a car, I did a lot of research and finally understood that warming up the engine isn't really necessary anymore. Modern engine technology is advanced, with oil pumps working immediately, and driving right after starting actually warms up the car faster and avoids carbon buildup. I'm used to warming up the engine for a few dozen seconds on extremely cold mornings, starting to drive once the dashboard stabilizes, but idling for too long increases emissions and fuel consumption. Manufacturers actually recommend driving right after starting. It really depends on driving habits—smooth driving in the initial phase can also protect the engine.
I prioritize car maintenance efficiency, and warming up the engine depends on the situation. A brief warm-up of a few seconds is harmless to the vehicle, especially in cold weather, as it helps oil circulation and reduces wear during cold starts. However, prolonged warm-up is unnecessary, as modern designs have optimized this. Extended warm-up may lead to water accumulation in the exhaust pipe or carbon buildup, affecting engine lifespan. Following the manual's instructions to start driving immediately is the most economical approach, protecting the car while saving fuel.
