How long should I warm up my car in winter?
2 Answers
Generally, you can start driving within 30 seconds to one minute after starting the vehicle, but it's important to maintain low-speed driving and keep the engine speed around 2000 RPM. Once the water temperature returns to normal, you can resume your usual driving habits. Here is some relevant knowledge about winter car usage: 1. Reasons for warming up the car in winter: Warming up the car helps better protect the engine. 2. Winter car usage tips: (1) Control the interior temperature. (2) Try to park the car in a garage, perform regular checks, and adhere to scheduled maintenance. (3) Regularly inspect the windshield wiper blades.
I've been a seasoned driver for over 20 years in northern regions. When it comes to warming up the car in winter, I see many novices idling for 5 or even 10 minutes, which is totally unnecessary. Based on my experience, modern vehicles only need 30 seconds to 1 minute after starting to let the oil circulate and protect the engine from wear. Then you can start driving directly at low speed for a few minutes to let the engine warm up gradually. Prolonged idling not only wastes fuel but also increases carbon buildup and pollutes the environment. Don’t forget to clear the frost from the windows first to ensure safe visibility. Personally, I warm up for 45 seconds before driving, letting the cabin temperature rise naturally while driving—it’s both time-saving and efficient. Overall, shorter warm-up times are better for car maintenance and prevent excessive battery drain.
