The truth about warming up your vehicle
We see it each year: drivers heading out to warm up their vehicles before driving away. In most cases, warming them up is a good idea, but how long is enough, and how long is too much? Drivers tend to warm up their vehicles longer in winter weather compared to summer, and that seems logical. But when does it get to be too much?
The idea of warming up your vehicle began with older models with carburetors, which required a specific temperature to allow the car to function properly. Without enough warmth, these types of engines could stall or operate inefficiently. Modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection systems adjust for colder temperatures. It means they do not need the extended warm-up times that older vehicles need. So, with these modern technologies, how long is long enough?
Modern vehicles only need roughly 30 to 60 seconds of idling before driving away, even in cold temperatures. This will allow the oil to effectively circulate throughout the engine. Once you begin driving, the vehicle warms up more quickly because the engine works harder compared to when the vehicle is idling. For older vehicles with carburetors, they may require a slightly longer warm-up time, which could run around 2 – 5 minutes.
The opposite side of the coin is those who avoid warning the vehicle up at all, including in cold temperatures. Warming up your vehicle in winter is not just about the engine. Warming up your vehicle can help to defrost the windshield, side, and rear windows, along with heated mirrors if your vehicle has such a thing. It is crucial for safe driving in snowy, frosty, or icy conditions.
If you happen to live where temperatures routinely drop below -25°C, you might need to allow more time for your vehicle to warm up. Spending roughly 2–3 minutes to warm it up should be adequate time. During extreme cold, you may want to use a block heater to pre-warm your engine. It can reduce additional idling time and help your vehicle start during severely cold temperatures.
Many drivers idle their vehicles for prolonged periods of time – in excess of ten minutes during the winter season. It does not help the vehicle and can lead to a few important issues.
Idling for approximately 10 minutes can waste as much fuel as driving for 5 – 10 kilometers, depending on your car’s fuel efficiency. Over an entire winter season, this can add up. Excessive engine idling can harm the car’s engine. Extended idling time can cause incomplete fuel combustion. This can lead to a buildup of soot and fouled spark plugs that can reduce engine efficiency.
After 30 minutes of warming the engine up, begin driving at a moderate speed. It helps your car warm up faster than idling. Think of it like how your body warms up. Jogging on the spot may warm you up a little, but jogging up the street and back can warm you up quicker and more completely.
Our vehicles have changed over the years and are designed to start up in the cold. Give it 30 seconds, and then off you go – smoothly. Let’s make smart decisions that have a balance between being efficient and safe and providing comfort during the cold months of the year.