How Long Should You Warm Up Your Car?
2 Answers
Warming up your car for more than 30 seconds is recommended, and this duration can be appropriately extended to 1 minute if the temperature is particularly low. The process of allowing the engine to warm up before driving is commonly referred to as "warming up the car." Without this procedure in winter, the engine's RPM tends to be higher, especially in vehicles with automatic transmissions, which can subject the transmission to significant impact forces during startup. An engine is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy. Originating in the UK, it can refer either to the power-generating device itself or to the entire machine including the power unit. Types of engines include internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, electric motors, among others.
I've driven various cars, including older models and new ones, and the warm-up time really differs. In cold weather, especially in sub-zero winter temperatures, warming up the car requires some patience—usually 20 to 30 seconds is enough, and maybe up to a minute if it's extremely cold. The key is to allow the oil to circulate fully and lubricate the engine components. Remember, most modern cars have fuel injection systems, so the warm-up time is very short; you can start driving slowly right after starting the engine, which helps the engine warm up faster and saves fuel. Idling for too long wastes gasoline and can lead to carbon buildup, affecting the engine's lifespan. Once, I drove in northern China at -10°C, warmed up the car for 30 seconds, and then drove at low speed—the engine responded more smoothly. In short, don't exceed one minute unless it's extremely cold. Regular maintenance is also crucial—check the oil condition.
