Is it necessary to warm up the car after an oil change?
3 Answers
It is not necessary to warm up the car after an oil change, but it is required before the oil change. Below are some relevant introductions about warming up the car: 1. Engine oil is referred to as the blood of the engine. Inside the engine, it not only lubricates but also cleans, seals, buffers, prevents rust, and dissipates heat. 2. Without engine oil, the engine cannot function properly. 3. During normal engine operation, the oil forms a thin film on the surfaces of various engine components, which reduces friction between them and also minimizes operational resistance.
I've been driving for decades, from old cars to new ones, and after an oil change, you don't need to warm up the car for too long. Modern engines have oil pumps that can deliver oil to all parts of the engine within seconds after startup. So, you just need to start the engine and let it idle for about a minute, check for any leaks around the oil pan or oil filter, and ensure the dipstick indicates the oil level is within the normal range. Then, you can drive normally—just press the accelerator lightly to put some load on the engine, and the oil temperature will rise to operating temperature faster. Warming up the car for too long is just a waste of fuel, increases emissions, and is unfriendly to the environment. I've seen many people habitually warm up their cars for ten minutes, but it's unnecessary, especially for cars designed after 2000, which are already very advanced. After an oil change, drive about ten kilometers for the first trip, then recheck the oil level when you park, and you're all set.
I've worked with various vehicles at the repair shop. After an oil change, it's recommended to start the engine and let it idle for two to three minutes. The purpose is to allow the new oil to fully circulate throughout the system and check for any leaks, such as oil seeping from seals or the oil pan. This isn't considered warming up the car, just an initial verification step. Once the oil pressure light goes off and there are no unusual noises, drive away immediately; prolonged idling increases fuel consumption and the risk of carbon buildup. Driving the vehicle under load helps the engine warm up faster and is more beneficial, while also reducing unnecessary idle pollution. The maintenance manual also states that after an oil change, starting the engine for a few minutes to check is sufficient—no need to linger. Remember to drive a short distance after the oil change and then check the oil level to ensure it's stable.
