Is Warm-up Necessary in Summer?
3 Answers
Warm-up is necessary in summer because after prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back to the lower oil pan of the engine. Therefore, upon ignition, the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes about 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate the oil to the parts that need lubrication the most, such as pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts. Pay attention to the following points during warm-up: 1. Avoid stomping on the accelerator during idle: It is best to drive smoothly at around 40 km/h for the first 2-4 kilometers. Otherwise, it will cause rapid wear and tear on the engine, severely damaging its components. 2. The coolant temperature should reach normal operating levels: When exiting an underground garage, you usually have to climb a steep slope. If the engine hasn't reached its normal operating temperature, forcing it will only result in greater wear and tear on the vehicle.
I remember discussing this issue with friends before, and we all agreed that modern cars don't need to idle for warm-up in summer. With higher temperatures, the engine warms up quickly on its own. Idling just wastes fuel, costs money, and pollutes the air. My old car's manual even recommends starting and driving immediately, suggesting slow driving for a few minutes to let components warm up naturally. Summer warm-up can thin the engine oil, reducing lubrication effectiveness, which is harmful to the engine in the long run. Some cities even prohibit prolonged warm-up in summer for environmental reasons. I've been practicing this for years—starting the car and driving right away—and never encountered any problems. After forming this habit, my vehicle maintenance costs have actually decreased.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can responsibly say that warming up the car in summer is unnecessary. Modern engines are well-designed and ready to work immediately after starting. Prolonged idling only forces the fan to work harder, increasing wear and fuel consumption. Through my weekly car inspections, I've observed that engines heat up quickly in summer due to high ambient temperatures. Warming up is simply a waste of effort and time sitting in the car waiting. If you're concerned about startup issues, I recommend checking the battery and oil condition first. Don't believe those old-school theories - scientific driving practices are what truly matter.
