Should You Warm Up Your Car Before Driving?

 It’s easy to understand the appeal of getting into a warm car when the temperatures outside begin to drop. Some drivers are also convinced that letting the car warm up before driving is also better for the engine. But is it a good idea? 

Today, we prepared a comprehensive answer to this question, taking into account the engine construction of most modern vehicles.

An engine is fully lubricated long before it reaches full operating temperature. When your car sits for an extended period, the oil drains down to the bottom of the oil pan. Once you start the engine, the oil pump quickly circulates the oil throughout the motor, lubricating all the necessary moving engine components. 

A cold engine idles at 1,200 rpm or more, making quick work of the lubrication process. Being mindful to give your engine a chance to lubricate, along with being diligent about routine maintenance, can help most modern engines last 200,000 miles or more. 

There used to be a saying about older engines that the worst thing you could do for a motor was to start it, because, for a split second, those engines were somewhat dry and weren’t well lubricated with oil. Modern cars have improved in technology to the point where your engine is fully lubricated within 20 to 30 seconds. By the time you get in, start the car, put on your seat belt, and get comfortable, the engine might not be fully warm. But it’s completely lubricated, and you’re okay to drive at this point. When temperatures drop during winter, it’s a good idea to let the car run for about a minute. 

Some drivers prefer to let the engine idle for 20 minutes or longer to get everything—including the cabin—really warm, but the fastest way to warm up an engine is by driving. Just remember not to rev the engine hard for the first few minutes of driving until you see the temperature gauge move off the cold reading. In terms of comfort, when you drive the car it’s going to warm up in just a few minutes vs. idling for 15 or 20 minutes. Extended idling just wastes gas.

Why, exactly, do some drivers warm up the engine? There are different opinions on this matter.

Back in the day, driving on a cold engine was sheer agony. It did not pull, twitched, and tried to stall. The carburetor poured gasoline into the cold intake manifold, the mixture was enriched manually using the air damper. Now, smart electronics power the motor. Fuel is supplied by injectors to the intake valve or directly into the cylinder. If such a motor jerks and stalls, contact a specialist. Warming up will not help here.

Modern oils do not thicken even at low temperatures. And if the oil pressure warning light goes out, there is lubrication in the motor. Well, if it is on, immediately turn off the engine and take the car on a tow truck to a service center.

This theory has a basis. Carburetor engines had problems with mixture formation in a cold engine. There was even a heating system for the intake manifold. But with modern power systems, this issue is no longer relevant.

The exhaust system does not need heating at all. The catalytic converter requires it. Please note that previously, neutralizers were installed under the bottom of the car, but now, they are under the hood, closer to the engine. This is done just for quick warming up. But where is more environmental harm: in an unheated catalyst or in a car that is burning gas for half an hour under the windows of a residential building?

The turbocharger warms up quite quickly because hot exhaust gases rotate the turbine. Oil flows into the bearings immediately if the motor is working properly.

Diesel fuel produces less heat when burned than gasoline. Therefore, such engines will warm up at idle speed for a long time. Some diesel engines can even boast a system that raises the speed when the car is stationary. Otherwise, you can freeze in the cabin.

All of the above applies to a moderately cold winter. In the North, drivers solve the problem of starting the engine and warming the car differently. They install special heaters, insulate the engine compartment, and sometimes not turn off the motor. But that is another story.

If you feel that your engine sounds or behaves strangely, schedule your visit to the IAM service station.