What are the damages of not warming up the car?
3 Answers
Not warming up the car can cause the following damages: engine wear, as the engine oil settles at the bottom when the car is cold, leaving the engine internals in a state of dry friction. Below are some related details: 1. Method for warming up the car: After starting the vehicle, let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the engine coolant to reach normal temperature before driving. 2. Benefits of warming up the car: (1) After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan, leaving the upper part of the engine lacking lubrication. Warming up helps lubricate these parts. (2) When the engine hasn't reached its operating temperature, the fuel system, still cold, cannot effectively vaporize gasoline completely. Warming up improves efficiency. (3) It helps the transmission gear oil to circulate and lubricate the upper part of the transmission.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many cars develop problems from not warming up before driving. The most obvious issue is increased engine wear. During a cold start, the oil hasn't had time to circulate fully to all components. For example, the oil pump delivers oil slowly, leading to dry friction in bearings and pistons, making metal parts more prone to scratches. Over time, piston ring wear increases, oil consumption speeds up, and the risk of oil leaks rises. This also affects engine lifespan, especially in winter. My own old car developed louder noises and reduced power due to years of cold starts. I recommend waiting half a minute to a minute after starting to let the temperature rise slightly, protecting the engine. Saving this brief time may lead to higher repair costs in the long run. Additionally, cold engines idle roughly and shake noticeably during acceleration, making driving uncomfortable. Regular oil checks and filter replacements can mitigate damage, but the fundamental solution is developing a habit of warming up the engine.
As a young person who loves to try new things, I've experimented with driving straight after a cold start. Modern engine designs are advanced, featuring systems like rapid oil circulation, but skipping warm-up still causes issues. The main damage comes from increased internal friction, thin oil films, and accelerated wear on components like the crankshaft and camshaft. This leads to reduced engine efficiency and higher fuel consumption. Based on my phone measurements, immediate driving after a cold start increases average fuel consumption by about 10% and produces more exhaust emissions. Long-term effects include faster component aging, potentially leading to premature major repairs. The battery also bears extra strain, making it prone to discharge. A good practice is to drive gently with light throttle during the first few minutes, avoiding rapid acceleration. Mechanics suggest using synthetic oil during maintenance to mitigate damage, but caution is still advised. What seems like saving time and money is essentially gambling with your car's health.
