Is it necessary to warm up a turbocharged engine?
2 Answers
It is necessary to warm up a turbocharged engine. The specific explanations are as follows: 1. Cold starts cause significant engine wear: Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines experience substantial wear during cold starts. Dry friction occurs because, after the engine has been stationary for more than two hours, the lubricating oil settles to the oil pan due to gravity, resulting in dry friction between the piston rings and cylinder walls. This period represents one of the most severe wear conditions during the entire usage cycle of a vehicle. 2. Winter cold starts also require warming up: Turbocharged engines need to be warmed up during winter cold starts as well. After starting the engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal aggressively. Instead, let the engine idle for three minutes first. This allows the oil temperature to rise and improves its flow properties, ensuring adequate lubrication for the turbocharger before increasing engine RPM and driving off. This practice is particularly crucial in winter, hence the need to warm up the engine.
I drive a turbocharged car, and from a professional perspective, there's no need to warm up the engine for a long time after starting. Modern engines are designed with rapid oil circulation systems that allow warming up while driving. Idling to warm up the engine is actually harmful because the oil cannot fully lubricate the turbo bearings, potentially leading to high-temperature damage or carbon buildup. I usually start driving at low speed for a few minutes and wait until the dashboard shows normal oil temperature before accelerating. This protects the engine while saving fuel and time. Even in winter, I follow the same approach without additional waiting—it's safe and efficient. Remember, checking oil quality is key, and regular maintenance helps avoid clogging issues.
