How to Warm Up the Car in Cold Weather?
3 Answers
To warm up your car in cold weather, follow these steps: 1. Start the engine and wait for 30 seconds to one minute before driving, but avoid high-speed driving at this time and keep the speed low; 2. Limit the engine speed to no more than 3000 RPM, generally maintaining around 2000 RPM, as excessive speed can cause irreversible wear to the engine and transmission; 3. Once the engine temperature rises to the normal operating level, you can resume regular driving. After being parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when you start the engine, the upper part of the engine is initially without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes about 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate the oil to the necessary components such as pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts for proper lubrication.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and there are tricks to warming up your car in cold weather. After starting, don't rush to rev the engine—let it idle for half a minute to a minute to allow the engine to warm up and the oil to circulate. Then gently press the accelerator to start slowly, keeping the RPM below 2000. Wait five to ten minutes until the coolant temperature rises before speeding up. Why not idle for too long? Modern cars are well-designed, and prolonged idling just wastes fuel and causes carbon buildup. In winter, the battery is prone to weak charge, so check the dashboard for warning lights before starting or test if the air conditioning starts smoothly. If the starter motor struggles, inspect the battery or charging system. Also, be cautious with tire pressure—it can drop by about 0.3 bar in cold weather, affecting handling. Before heading out, check the antifreeze concentration to prevent freezing and overheating on the road. These small habits can keep your car running efficiently, save fuel, and ensure safety.
I drive a new energy hybrid vehicle, and the warm-up method in cold weather is a bit different. After starting, patiently wait for half a minute to let the system initialize. Once the dashboard lights up, you can set off—no need to waste time idling in place. Driving slowly for a short distance allows the engine to warm up naturally, which is better for engine protection, more eco-friendly, and saves fuel. Why recommend this method? New cars have advanced electronic controls, and idling in place can actually lead to carbon buildup and even affect emissions. By the way, check if your phone app can monitor battery status and tire pressure in real-time, as these are prone to issues in cold weather. Wait until the coolant temperature rises to the midpoint before turning on the heater—this ensures comfort and safety. Avoid blasting the heat right away, as the warm air will escape. If your car has a remote preheating function, just press a button in advance to warm up the interior.
