How Long Should You Warm Up Your Car in Winter?
2 Answers
Warming up your car for 1 to 2 minutes in winter is appropriate, allowing the engine coolant to reach normal operating temperature before driving. The reasons for warming up your car in winter and the impacts of not doing so are as follows: Reasons for warming up your car in winter: After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine; before the engine reaches its operating temperature, the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize gasoline completely due to low temperature; in cold conditions, gear oil flows to the lower part of the transmission. Impacts of not warming up your car in winter: Not warming up your car in winter can cause wear and tear to the engine, transmission, and various engine components, leading to reduced lifespan; it increases fuel consumption and makes the engine more prone to carbon buildup inside.
When it comes to warming up the car in winter, I personally believe the key is understanding engine principles. During a cold start, engine oil thickens in the cold, reducing lubrication effectiveness, and driving immediately may cause component wear. Therefore, I recommend waiting 30 to 60 seconds after starting to allow the oil pump to circulate properly, then immediately driving at low speed for about 10 kilometers, which helps the engine temperature rise faster. Prolonged idling for warm-up not only wastes fuel but also pollutes the environment. Modern car designs are optimized, making idling for over 2 minutes unnecessary. I usually check the dashboard lights to ensure no abnormalities before moving, which is better for engine longevity. In extremely cold conditions, such as -20°C, waiting an extra minute is fine, but the core principle is that short warm-ups are more efficient and eco-friendly, avoiding unnecessary idle time and resource waste.
