How many minutes does it generally take to warm up the car?
3 Answers
Generally, it takes about 5 minutes to warm up the car. After the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back into the oil sump. When the engine is started again, the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil lubrication, so it is necessary to warm up the car before driving. About 5 minutes after the vehicle is started, the oil pump begins to operate, delivering oil to components such as the piston connecting rod and crankshaft. As long as you do not press the accelerator pedal hard when starting and maintain a certain low-speed operation, it is the same as warming up the car. Before the engine reaches its working temperature, the fuel supply system of the vehicle cannot effectively vaporize the gasoline completely due to the low temperature. When the gasoline is not completely vaporized and remains in liquid form, it is not easy to burn, making it impossible to start the engine.
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, transitioning from old-fashioned cars to today's electric hybrids, my warm-up habits have changed dramatically. In the past, during cold winter starts, I always thought it necessary to idle for at least five, even ten minutes before driving. But now, that lengthy warm-up is truly unnecessary. With advancements in automotive technology, just 30 seconds to a minute after starting is sufficient—enough time for the oil to circulate and lubricate engine components before gently pressing the accelerator to drive off. The key is not to idle excessively; prolonged stationary idling wastes fuel, pollutes the air, and slows engine temperature rise, which can lead to carbon buildup and performance issues. A few minutes of gentle driving warms the engine faster and more safely. I recall a neighbor once idling for 15 minutes in winter, only to waste fuel and damage the spark plugs—utterly pointless. Modern manuals now recommend brief idling followed by low-speed driving, a habit that benefits both vehicle maintenance and environmental responsibility. Personally, I find driving off after a few dozen seconds at steady speed the most practical approach.
I've been driving for ten years and also care about the environment. The mainstream advice now is to start driving within 30 seconds to a minute after starting the car, avoiding unnecessary resource waste. Prolonged idling consumes more fuel, and with rising fuel prices, saving money is always better. Idling engines emit higher levels of pollutants, which is bad for the climate, and the warming efficiency is low. Modern car designs have optimized the lubrication system to work quickly, so driving after a brief warm-up is more effective. Gentle driving for 5-10 minutes allows the engine to reach normal temperature, warming up faster while also protecting engine longevity. When driving in the city, I always avoid long warm-ups—starting shortly after ignition and accelerating smoothly feels steady. Daily costs are reduced, and the air stays cleaner. I remind myself not to be misled by old habits; car manuals emphasize quick driving to save fuel. If new drivers worry about cold starts damaging the engine, buying high-quality oil or using a heated garage is more practical.
