How to Warm Up a Car Properly?
2 Answers
Owners can wait briefly after starting the engine (the waiting time depends on when the RPM stabilizes after dropping). Try not to press the accelerator, maintain the car's minimum speed for 3 to 5 minutes, and keep the engine RPM below 2000.
As an ordinary person who often drives in the city, I usually wait for about 20 to 30 seconds after starting the car in the morning to let the engine warm up slightly—no need for too long. Most modern cars come with electronic control systems, and after starting, the RPM will be slightly higher before gradually decreasing; that's when you can shift gears and drive off. When you first start driving, avoid stomping on the accelerator—maintain a steady speed for a kilometer or two to allow the internal components to lubricate evenly. On particularly cold winter days, especially when temperatures drop below freezing, I wait for a minute to let the AC blow warm air to defrost, preventing the windows from fogging up and compromising safety. Regular oil changes are also crucial, as they help the engine warm up faster. Remember, idling for too long not only wastes fuel but also increases emissions, which is bad for the environment. Simply put, warming up the car doesn’t mean waiting indefinitely—the warm-up process while driving is more effective and hassle-free.