How to Warm Up Your Car in Winter?

[MacSabrina]

Winter car warm-up method: You should start driving 30 seconds to one minute after starting the engine, but avoid driving at high speeds at this time. Maintain a low speed, with the engine speed not exceeding 3000 RPM, generally keeping it around 2000 RPM. The vehicle should be warmed up before starting, and during the warm-up period, do not press the accelerator pedal hard or let the engine speed get too high. You don't need to wait for the engine temperature to rise to the optimal temperature before starting; just wait until the temperature gauge needle begins to rise. Avoid multiple starts in a cold state, as frequent starts can increase wear on moving parts and reduce the overall working life of the components and even the engine.

[AugustLee]

I have ten years of driving experience, and there are some nuances to warming up the car in winter. After starting the engine, don't rev the throttle immediately; let the car idle for half a minute to a minute first. This allows the engine oil to circulate fully. During this time, you can clear the snow from the windows, but be careful not to start the car with a dust cover on, as the exhaust fumes can't escape and may cause poisoning. Then, shift gears and drive slowly, keeping the RPM under 2000. After driving two or three kilometers, the engine temperature will rise. This is the best time to turn on the heater for defogging, and avoid turning on the AC too soon to save fuel. If the car is parked outdoors overnight, spraying some windshield antifreeze in advance can save a lot of trouble.

[SanGrant]

Friends in the north know that preheating is crucial at minus twenty degrees. I usually use the remote start function to warm up the car ten minutes in advance, so I can drive off immediately when I get in. Without remote start, don’t just wait idly after starting the engine—use that time to check tire pressure. Cold tires often run 2-3 psi low, so topping them up is important. While idling, pay attention to the exhaust smoke—continuous white smoke indicates normal combustion, but black smoke means you should shut off the engine and check immediately. Lastly, a reminder: older cars should use winter-grade oil, like 5W-30, which flows better in cold temperatures and makes starting easier.

[Karen]

New cars don't actually require traditional warm-up methods. Electronic fuel injection engines can be put into gear within 30 seconds after starting, and slow driving is the most efficient way to warm up the car. Remember three key points: avoid turning on seat heaters and steering wheel heaters for the first five minutes to prevent sudden excessive power consumption that could harm the battery; in snowy conditions, shift to manual mode and start in second gear to prevent wheel spin; if the tire tread depth is less than 3mm, you must switch to winter tires, otherwise braking distance will double on zero-degree roads. Every year before winter arrives, I take my car to the 4S shop for antifreeze system checks, and it's essential to switch to -40-degree windshield washer fluid.

[DeFrank]

As a long-distance driver, I have a unique warm-up routine. Plug in the OBD scanner to check real-time coolant temperature—avoid hard acceleration below 25°C. During warm-up, activate both front and rear defoggers while using external air circulation to expel moisture. For frozen wipers, never force them—thaw first with room-temperature water. The most overlooked step is chassis preheating: slow down over speed bumps until drivetrain temperature rises before normal driving. Always keep freeze-resistant washer fluid handy—it sprays instantly below freezing, far safer than scraping ice last-minute.