Why do vehicles need to warm up in winter?
2 Answers
Winter vehicle warm-up is necessary because: after prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Upon ignition, the upper part of the engine lacks oil and lubrication. Therefore, warming up is required to raise the oil temperature and enhance its lubricating effect. Winter vehicle maintenance precautions: 1. Choose the appropriate viscosity when changing engine oil; 2. Pay attention to checking voltage and protecting the battery; 3. Be mindful of the color when replacing antifreeze - different colored antifreeze should not be mixed; 4. Use specialized antifreeze; 5. Exercise caution when using electric heating functions.
Winter car warm-up is actually quite particular. After years of driving, I've noticed that in cold weather, engine oil becomes as thick as frozen jam. Warming up allows it to flow smoothly, reducing friction and wear on parts, thus extending the vehicle's lifespan. Warming up for two to three minutes lets the engine temperature rise gradually, improving combustion efficiency so that once you hit the road, it consumes less fuel and runs quieter. More importantly, in winter, windshields tend to frost over easily. Turning on the defrost function during warm-up clears the view immediately, making driving much safer. Sticking to this habit long-term can also prevent sudden breakdowns, saving on repair costs. I recommend adjusting warm-up time based on the weather—wait a few extra minutes when it's below freezing.
