How Long Should a Car Engine Warm Up in Winter?
1 Answers
In winter, a car needs to warm up for 3-5 minutes. Due to low temperatures, the viscosity of the lubricant increases, making it harder to flow. After starting the engine, it should be kept at around 1100 RPM to allow the car to warm up before driving. The main reason for warming up the car is that 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 lacking lubrication. It takes about 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate and deliver oil to critical components like the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft that need lubrication the most. Winter Driving Tips: Tire Usage: In winter, rubber hardens, making tires more brittle. Not only does the friction coefficient decrease, but tires are also more prone to leaks and punctures compared to other seasons. Therefore, it's essential to regularly clean debris from tire treads, avoid using tires that have been patched more than once, and replace tires with significant wear or those of different brands and tread patterns. Check Heater Lines: Inspect the heater lines and fan, paying special attention to whether the defroster vents under the windshield are functioning correctly and providing sufficient heat. Issues with defroster vents can cause many inconveniences and safety hazards during winter driving.
