How long should you warm up a car that hasn't been used for a long time?

[VonEvangeline]

When a car hasn't been used for a long time, warming it up for two to three minutes is sufficient, until the water temperature gauge needle reaches the normal range. After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Warming up the car allows the oil to circulate to components that require lubrication, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. The duration of warming up is typically determined by the engine speed, and it's ready when the RPM stabilizes at around 800. Warming up refers to the process where the engine oil flows back into the oil pan, leaving various components without lubrication, thus requiring preheating. Different car models, engine displacements, loads, and climatic conditions may slightly vary the warming-up process. The key principle to remember is that warming up should be a dynamic process of gradual temperature increase and acceleration, avoiding prolonged idling in place. The RPM should stabilize at around 800.