How many minutes does it take to start a car that hasn't been used for a long time?
4 Answers
It takes about 10 minutes to start a car that hasn't been used for a long time. Here are the relevant details: 1. Overview: If you plan to drive a car that has been idle for an extended period, it's best to warm up the engine for about 10 minutes to ensure all components are adequately lubricated. 2. Risks: For cars that remain unused for long periods, it is recommended to start the engine once a week to maintain the proper functioning of various fluids in the engine and the car battery. Prolonged inactivity can cause engine oil to stop flowing, preventing it from lubricating components, leading to oxidation and rust. It can also affect the engine's performance after startup. Additionally, long-term parking can drain the battery, making it difficult to start the car and potentially disabling the anti-theft system.
I've been driving for over a decade. For vehicles that have been parked for a long time, it's best to let the engine run for more than 5 minutes when restarting. This allows the oil to fully lubricate the engine internals, preventing dry friction damage between piston rings and cylinder walls. Additionally, the battery naturally discharges during parking, requiring about 10 minutes of engine-driven generator charging to restore full power. In winter when temperatures are low, this time should be extended to 8 minutes to allow the antifreeze to complete the entire circulation system. Remember not to press the accelerator during warm-up; just maintain idle speed to avoid sudden high RPMs that could wear out components.
According to modern automotive technology, it is recommended to let the vehicle idle for 3 to 5 minutes after starting a long-term parked car. This duration ensures sufficient lubrication for the turbocharger bearings, preventing damage to the high-speed rotating impeller. Simultaneously, it allows the transmission oil temperature to rise to the operating range, especially for the hydraulic system of automatic transmission models which requires preheating. I have measured the battery voltage, and it typically takes 120 seconds of charging to restore the starting threshold. If the car hasn't been moved for over six months, it's best to check the engine oil before starting.
In my experience, it takes at least 90 seconds or more, but it depends on the specific situation. New vehicles with direct fuel injection engines can complete basic lubrication in just 30 seconds, while older carburetor models may require up to 2 minutes. For hybrid vehicles, the engine start-up time is even shorter, as the electric system automatically allocates supplementary charging tasks. Don't forget to monitor the dashboard—the oil pressure warning light must go out before the warm-up is considered complete. For vehicles that have been parked for an extended period, it's best to check the tire pressure before starting.
