Is it necessary to warm up the car every time it starts?

[RobertDella]

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.

[BrielleFitz]

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.

[DelOmar]

As someone who frequently follows automotive technology, I believe that warming up the car is no longer necessary in modern times. New car engines are intelligently designed, with the ECU managing cold starts and optimizing fuel and temperature. Therefore, it's better to drive slowly immediately after starting, as the engine warms up faster. Idling for more than half a minute may consume over 0.1 liters of fuel, which is not environmentally friendly and can also accelerate wear. I've tested several cars, and driving directly after 10 seconds of starting showed stable oil pressure and temperature. In cold regions, I recommend waiting about 15 seconds for the oil to circulate throughout the system. This habit not only maintains the engine but also supports energy-efficient driving, achieving multiple benefits at once.

[SanArcher]

From an environmental perspective, I try to avoid warming up the car. Modern vehicles heat up quickly after starting, and prolonged idling wastes fuel and emits more carbon dioxide. I drive daily and only wait about 10 seconds after starting to confirm the RPM is normal before driving off, minimizing pollution. In the era of older cars, warming up for several minutes might have been necessary, but with today's advanced technology, a brief wait is sufficient. It's a win-win—protecting the environment while also safeguarding the engine.