How many minutes does a new car need to warm up when starting?
2 Answers
Thirty seconds to one minute. The correct method for warming up the car is: After starting the engine, wait for 30 seconds to one minute before driving, but avoid driving at high RPMs at this time. Maintain a low speed with the engine RPM not exceeding 3000, ideally around 2000 RPM. Otherwise, the severe wear and tear on the engine and transmission may be irreversible. Once the engine temperature rises to the normal operating range (which typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes), you can resume normal driving. The main reasons for warming up the car are: After the car has been parked for an extended period, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when starting, the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes about 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate the oil to the parts of the engine that need lubrication the most, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft.
My previous driving experience is that new cars don't require warming up for several minutes in the traditional sense. Older vehicles might need a few minutes of warm-up to ensure smooth oil circulation, but modern car designs are much more advanced, with engine management systems that can quickly adapt to cold starts. After starting, just wait 15 to 30 seconds for the RPM to stabilize, then you can gradually start driving. This shorter idling time allows the engine to warm up more efficiently under load, while also saving fuel and reducing carbon buildup issues. Especially in cold weather, prolonged warm-up is actually worse for the environment because idling produces higher emissions. Driving gently for 3 to 5 minutes will bring the car to its normal operating temperature. Remember to regularly maintain and check fluids—these habits are more important than manual warm-up.
