The practice of warming up your car in winter before driving has been a subject of debate among drivers and automotive experts for many years. However, with today's modern vehicles, especially those equipped with fuel injection systems, it's generally unnecessary to warm up your car for an extended period before driving. Modern engines are designed to operate efficiently in cold conditions, and driving your vehicle gently during the first few minutes is usually sufficient to warm it up. However, in extremely cold conditions, particularly if you have an older car or live in an area with harsh winters, idling for a short period (around 30 to 60 seconds) can help the oil circulate and improve initial engine performance. It's important to strike a balance, as excessive idling can be wasteful and contribute to environmental pollution.
Are there any benefits to warming up my car on a cold day?
Scott Stueber is a 26-year insurance veteran employed by West Bend since 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. His insurance expertise is backed by several designations he’s earned over the years: Accredited Advisor Insurance (AAI), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He’s also a licensed insurance agent. Scott has...
Scott Stueber is a 26-year insurance veteran employed by West Bend since 1997. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. His insurance expertise is backed by several designations he’s earned over the years: Accredited Advisor Insurance (AAI), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He’s also a licensed insurance agent. Scott has been sharing his expert advice through the successful West Bend Cares blog since October 2012. He’s authored hundreds of helpful and relevant articles on a variety of topics including home, auto, and business insurance; claim prevention; and family safety tips. When he’s not creating content, Scott enjoys spending time with his family (including their lovable, orange tabby cat, Toulouse), traveling, riding his motorcycle, and playing Xbox.
