How Long Should a Car Warm Up in Winter?

[LaMia]

In winter, a car can be driven after warming up for 30 seconds to one minute. Below is an introduction to car warm-up: 1. The correct warm-up method is to start driving after 30 seconds to one minute of idling, but avoid driving at high RPMs at this time. Maintain a low speed with the engine RPM not exceeding 3000, generally keeping it around 2000. Otherwise, the severe wear on the engine and transmission may be irreversible. Once the engine temperature rises to the normal operating temperature (which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes), normal driving can resume. 2. Driving immediately after starting the car is harmful. When starting the vehicle, you may notice that the tachometer needle briefly stays at a position more than double the normal idle RPM (this is more noticeable in automatic transmission cars). This happens because the modern car's computer control module (commonly known as ECU) instructs the fuel injection system to inject more fuel into the cylinders to increase the engine RPM, allowing the engine to warm up quickly in cold conditions. The extent to which the cold-start RPM increases depends on the external ambient temperature and the ECU settings for each specific car model, meaning not all cars will have the same RPM value. Under normal circumstances, the engine RPM will drop significantly within one minute of a cold start.

[AnastasiaMarie]

I've found that warming up the car in winter doesn't actually require too long. I used to wait ten minutes, but now I only warm it up for about 30 seconds before driving. Driving slowly to get moving actually heats up the engine faster and saves fuel. Each time I do this, it saves a lot of time, and I don't have to worry about being late during the morning rush hour. Many people mistakenly believe that idling for a long time protects the engine, but in reality, it may waste fuel and damage parts. My car has been running for six years with this habit, and there's been no issue. In cold weather, it's also important to check tire pressure, as tires are prone to leaks, which can affect safety. Drive gently for the first kilometer after starting, and wait for the dashboard's water temperature to rise to normal before driving normally. When the temperature is below -20 degrees Celsius, warm up for an extra minute to ensure sufficient lubrication, but usually, 30 seconds is enough. This environmentally friendly and cost-saving habit is convenient and practical once formed.

[RowanAnn]

From a technical perspective, engine warm-up time is related to design and temperature. I wait for the lubricating oil to circulate for half a minute after starting before driving. Modern vehicles use synthetic oil with good fluidity, and electronic fuel injection ensures smooth starts. Driving slowly keeps engine load low and allows temperature to rise quickly. In extreme cold conditions like -30°C, waiting an extra minute ensures proper lubrication. Prolonged idling not only wastes fuel but also causes carbon buildup, leading to excessive emissions which outweigh any benefits. After starting, keep RPM below 2000 and maintain steady speed to protect the engine. Regular maintenance and fluid checks ensure smooth operation. This warm-up method saves resources and is efficient and reliable.

[LeDaniel]

Preheating for too long wastes fuel and isn't cost-effective. In winter, I only wait about half a minute before driving. Driving at low speeds warms up the engine faster than idling, saving a lot on fuel costs. Over time, this can save dozens of yuan in fuel expenses each month. Older cars especially benefit from this practice to avoid part wear. Starting to drive immediately after ignition reduces emissions—small contributions add up environmentally. When temperatures drop below -15°C, wait an extra 30 seconds for lubrication but never exceed one minute to avoid unnecessary consumption. This personal habit is simple, practical, cost-saving, and safety-first.