Should You Warm Up Your Car in Winter?
2 Answers
You should warm up your car in winter. The method to warm up your car is: after starting the vehicle, let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the engine coolant to reach normal temperature before driving. Not warming up your car can cause damage such as engine wear, as the engine oil settles at the bottom when cold, leaving the engine in a state of dry friction. The benefits of warming up your car include: 1. After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan, leaving the upper part lacking lubrication; warming up helps lubricate these parts. 2. When the engine is not at operating temperature, the fuel system cannot effectively vaporize gasoline due to low temperatures; warming up improves efficiency. 3. It helps distribute transmission fluid to lubricate the upper part of the transmission.
I remember when I was younger driving older cars, I always warmed up the engine for 10 minutes in winter, thinking it was necessary to protect the engine. But now, after using modern cars, I understand that those practices are outdated. Modern engines with electronic fuel injection and advanced synthetic oils can operate efficiently right after a cold start without prolonged idling. Warming up the engine too long only increases fuel consumption, wastes money on gasoline, and contributes to more pollution. Data shows that engine temperature rises slowly at idle, whereas driving under load warms it up faster. My advice to car owners: after starting, wait just 20-30 seconds for the oil to circulate, then drive gently for the first few kilometers without rapid acceleration. The engine warms up more effectively while moving, protecting components, saving fuel, and being eco-friendly. Adapt to new habits—car manuals say the same—don’t repeat old wasteful practices.
