How to Warm Up an Automatic Transmission Car in Winter?
3 Answers
Methods for warming up an automatic transmission car in winter: 1. Idling in place: After starting the car, it is necessary to let it idle for a while. This period should last about 30 seconds to 1 minute (with the gear in P), primarily to allow the engine oil to fully lubricate the engine. Since winter temperatures are inherently low, the oil's fluidity is poor, and the viscosity of the transmission fluid in the automatic transmission increases. If you start driving immediately, it can cause significant harm to the engine. 2. Slow driving: After idling for 30 seconds to 1 minute, once the engine vibration stabilizes, you can begin driving. At this point, shift the car into D gear, keeping the RPM below 2000, and drive slowly for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, observe whether the temperature gauge needle approaches 60 degrees or if the blue indicator light on the dashboard turns off. When the temperature needle reaches 60 degrees, it indicates that the warm-up is complete, and you can accelerate normally. During this period, the automatic transmission will not shift gears, allowing various types of lubricants and fluids to be distributed to their respective working positions through the warm-up process. This helps the steering system, braking system, differential system, suspension system, etc., transition from a static state to an operational state, ensuring proper lubrication and preventing abnormal wear due to insufficient lubrication (since idling in place without moving cannot achieve this). 3. After starting the car, wait a while before driving or turning on the air conditioning, and avoid idling in place for too long.
Living in a cold region, I drive an automatic car daily in winter, and experience tells me that warming up the car is simple yet crucial. After starting the engine, let it idle in place for about a minute—don’t rush to drive off. In cold weather, the engine oil is too thick, and skipping the warm-up increases engine wear. During idling, the car may vibrate slightly; wait until the lubricant flows smoothly before moving. After setting off, maintain a speed of 20-30 km/h for a few hundred meters, avoiding hard acceleration, as this helps the engine warm up naturally. If time is tight, idling for at least 30 seconds can still prevent issues. Remember to regularly check the antifreeze and tire pressure, and ensure the battery is sufficiently charged—all of which contribute to a smooth warm-up. The whole process is effortless, and once it becomes a habit, winter driving becomes much more comfortable.
As someone accustomed to driving, I emphasize the importance of scientifically warming up automatic transmission cars in winter. After starting, let the engine idle for a short while, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, to allow the lubrication system to function properly and avoid cold-start damage to components. Modern car designs are efficient and don’t require prolonged idling like older models—you can start driving after idling, but keep the speed low for the first few minutes to allow the engine coolant temperature to rise quickly. Also, don’t overlook the air conditioning settings—turn on the heater after starting the car and select auto mode, which will coordinate the warm-up process. Excessive idling wastes fuel, so proper control protects the car and saves energy. Ensure everything is normal before accelerating.
