Is it necessary to warm up the car every time it starts?
2 Answers
It is not necessary to warm up the car every time it starts. From the perspective of the engine, modern engines are all fuel-injected engines, which no longer require warming up. However, from the standpoint of car maintenance and extending the vehicle's lifespan, warming up the car appropriately can be beneficial. When a car is parked for an extended period, various fluids in the car flow to the oil pan due to gravity. If the car is driven immediately under these conditions, the lack of sufficient lubrication can cause significant wear and tear on various components. In winter, cold weather naturally reduces the fluidity of the engine oil. Driving immediately or turning on the air conditioning under these conditions can accelerate engine wear, which over time may shorten the engine's lifespan.
I've been driving for over twenty years, from the early carburetor cars to today's fuel-injected vehicles, and there have been many changes. In the past, older cars had to idle for a few minutes after starting to warm up the engine, or they would easily stall. But modern cars with electronic fuel systems are more advanced in design and don't require warming up every time they start. My habit is to start the car, fasten the seatbelt, adjust the seat, and then gently press the accelerator to drive off, but keeping the speed low for the first minute or two, around 20-30 km/h, to let the engine warm up naturally. Idling for too long reduces engine efficiency, wastes gasoline, and emits more exhaust, which is bad for the air. On cold days with fog or similar conditions, I might wait at most 10 seconds for the oil to circulate before driving off. In short, operating this way each time protects the car and saves both hassle and fuel.