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. Here is some relevant information about warming up the car: From the perspective of the engine: In terms of the engine, modern engines are all fuel-injected engines, so warming up is no longer required. However, from the standpoint of car maintenance and prolonging the car's lifespan, warming up the car appropriately can have certain benefits. Reasons for warming up the car: When a car is parked for a long time, all the various fluids in the car flow to the oil pan due to Earth's gravity. If you drive directly at this time, the car's components will experience severe wear because they are not fully lubricated. In winter, the cold weather naturally reduces the fluidity of the engine oil. If you drive directly or turn on the air conditioning at this time, the wear on the engine will be more severe, and over time, it will reduce the engine's lifespan.
I've been driving for years, and my understanding of warming up the car has evolved. With older cars, you had to wait a few minutes after a cold start to let the oil fully circulate and lubricate the engine components. But modern car engines have improved significantly, especially with fuel injection systems and electronic control units that can adjust quickly. Now, waiting 10 to 30 seconds after starting is enough to let the oil pump do its job. Prolonged idling not only wastes fuel and increases emissions but can also lead to carbon buildup and engine damage. Personally, I check the dashboard after starting and drive off once the RPM stabilizes, extending it to about half a minute in winter. The key is to adjust based on the weather—waiting a bit longer below freezing to protect the engine parts. In short, there's no need for lengthy warm-ups; it's both practical and economical.
