How Long Should You Warm Up a Car That Hasn't Been Driven?

1 Answers
VanLucille
07/29/25 3:44pm
Start the engine and let it idle for about five minutes, mainly to allow the engine oil inside the car to function more effectively, as it takes time to lubricate after being stationary for a long time. In cities with distinct seasons, the warm-up time can be adjusted more precisely: during spring to autumn, let the car idle for about three minutes, while in winter, the warm-up time can be slightly longer, recommended between five to ten minutes. The reasons for warming up the car are as follows: 1. Lack of lubrication: After the car has been parked for an extended period, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when starting the engine after prolonged disuse (such as overnight), the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil and lacks lubrication. 2. Inability to effectively vaporize gasoline: Before the engine reaches its operating temperature (approximately between 90–110 degrees Celsius), the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize gasoline completely due to the low temperature. 3. Lubrication of transmission gears: The lubrication of transmission gears is something most people don't understand and often overlook. Similar to engine oil, transmission gear oil flows to the lower part of the transmission when the car is cold. Only when the car is moving does the rotation of the gears bring the gear oil from the bottom to lubricate the upper part.
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