Is it necessary to warm up a car?
2 Answers
Warming up a car refers to letting the engine idle in neutral before driving, allowing the oil to better lubricate the components and provide protection. Although modern cars are equipped with increasingly advanced features, it is still necessary to warm up the engine when the car has been parked overnight or for an extended period. When a car remains stationary for a long time, the oil on the engine components and gears tends to settle at the bottom. Starting the engine immediately without warming it up can result in insufficient lubrication, leading to wear and tear. Over time, this can shorten the engine's lifespan. However, the warm-up time should not be too long. Once the engine speed stabilizes at around 700-800 RPM, which usually takes less than half a minute, the car is ready to drive. Prolonged idling can increase carbon buildup in the engine.
My years of driving experience tell me that with modern car engine technology being so advanced, there's no need for prolonged idling after startup. Just 30 seconds to a minute is enough for oil circulation and lubrication. Extended idling actually wastes fuel, increases emissions, and harms the environment. Slow, short-distance driving is more effective for warming up the engine. If you're concerned about engine wear, occasional preheating to avoid cold-start damage is fine, but don't exceed a few minutes. My friend used to idle his car for ten minutes daily, which not only increased fuel consumption but also caused carbon buildup in the engine during winter. So the key is to balance based on temperature and vehicle condition—protecting your car while being practical.
