Should You Warm Up the Car Before Starting?
3 Answers
It is necessary to warm up the car before starting. Reasons for warming up: 1. Maintain lubrication: After the car has been parked for a long time, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when starting the engine after a long period of inactivity (such as overnight), the upper part of the engine is in a state without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes about 10 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate the oil to the parts that need lubrication the most, such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. 2. Return to normal: Before the engine reaches its operating temperature (approximately between 90-110 degrees Celsius), the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize the gasoline completely due to the low temperature. When the gasoline is still in a 'wet' liquid state and not vaporized, it is difficult to burn and start the engine.
In the era of carburetor-equipped cars, warming up the engine before driving was essential because the engine needed to reach its optimal temperature to run smoothly. However, most modern cars now use electronic fuel injection systems, where the engine control unit quickly adjusts fuel pressure after startup, eliminating the need for prolonged idling to warm up. Every time I drive, I only wait about 30 seconds after starting to let the oil circulate, then begin driving at low speeds immediately. This allows the engine to warm up faster while driving, saving fuel and being more environmentally friendly. Prolonged idling to warm up the engine wastes gasoline, increases carbon buildup, and harms air quality. Of course, in extremely cold regions, such as sub-zero temperatures, warming up a bit longer can help the heater produce warm air faster, improving comfort. Overall, modern driving habits should adapt to technological advancements—gentle driving immediately after startup is the most economical and effective approach.
With over a decade of driving experience, whether to warm up the car before starting depends on the weather and vehicle model. In winter when temperatures drop below minus ten degrees Celsius, I usually let the car idle for 1-2 minutes after starting. This helps warm up the engine oil and cabin air conditioning, reducing wear from cold starts. However, in summer, I rarely warm up the car and just drive off immediately. Most modern cars are equipped with electronic fuel injection systems, which are designed to optimize rapid warm-up, so a brief warm-up is sufficient to protect the engine. Excessive idling not only wastes fuel but can also lead to carbon buildup, affecting performance. I recommend checking the owner's manual, as requirements vary significantly between models—for example, diesel vehicles may need slightly longer warm-up times. The key is to drive at low speeds for the first few minutes after starting, allowing all components to heat evenly and avoiding sudden acceleration. Developing this habit ensures peace of mind and safety.
