How long should I warm up my car if it hasn't been driven for several days?

[ArielLynn]

If a car hasn't been driven for a long time, warming it up for 30 seconds to 1 minute is sufficient. Here are the relevant details: The method for warming up a car is as follows: (1) Start the vehicle with the air conditioning turned off. (2) Let the car idle for 1 minute to warm up. (3) After the engine runs smoothly, drive slowly. (4) Once the temperature gauge rises by 1 to 2 bars, you can drive normally and turn on the air conditioning. The reasons for warming up a car are as follows: (1) After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan. (2) Before the engine reaches its operating temperature, the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize gasoline completely due to lower temperatures. (3) When parked, the gear oil flows to the lower part of the transmission, leaving the upper part without lubrication during a cold start.

[MacJesse]

Having driven for decades, I've found that the warm-up time for a car that hasn't been used for a few days is actually quite short. In the past, people were used to letting it idle for several minutes, but with technological advancements, it's no longer necessary. The specific approach is: after starting the engine, just wait 10 to 30 seconds to let the oil circulate, then you can lightly press the accelerator and start moving slowly. Especially in cold weather, the oil might be thicker, but waiting for more than a minute just wastes fuel and increases emissions. I recommend driving directly for 5 to 10 minutes, as the engine warms up faster through movement, which both protects the engine and saves fuel. Remember, prolonged idling causes more wear to the engine and can easily lead to carbon buildup, so if the car hasn't been driven for a few days, it's even more important to get on the road sooner.

[DelVivienne]

From an energy-saving perspective, I don't recommend warming up the car for too long after it hasn't been driven for a few days. Idling wastes fuel and emits pollution, which is completely unnecessary. Waiting about 15 seconds after starting is enough for the oil to circulate, then drive gently until the engine warms up. Modern engines are designed intelligently—driving immediately after a cold start is more efficient, while warming up the engine is counterproductive. I've also observed that in winter or humid conditions, idling a bit longer to defog the windows is helpful, but if the car hasn't been driven for days, just ensure the battery is functioning and avoid letting the engine cool excessively. Driving gently for a few minutes is both eco-friendly and economical.

[DiBella]

As an ordinary driver, when my car hasn't been driven for a few days, I follow my usual routine: after starting the engine, I don't rush to drive off immediately. Instead, I wait about 20 seconds to let the oil warm up a bit, then gently press the accelerator to get on the road. Why? Because when the oil is too cold or has settled, waiting a short while ensures better lubrication, but don't exceed half a minute to avoid excessive fuel consumption. After setting off, driving slowly for a short distance allows the engine to quickly return to normal operation. I also take the opportunity to check the tires and battery to ensure safety. In short, it's simple and hassle-free—no need to overcomplicate things.