First snow just fell, and my dad told me to warm up my car for at least 10 minutes for the engine’s longevity. I’ve been doing it for the past 2 weeks as the temperatures dropped. But when I Google it, I find conflicting advice, some say that most modern cars are good to go right away and just need a couple of minutes of easy driving to warm up. Since it’s a 15-minute drive with some slower speeds, I feel like I can do it. But I trust my dad’s word more. Anyone have personal advice on this? 2020 AWD EcoBoost, 57k miles.
I agree with /u/overfloater77, just start it, wait 15-30 seconds for the oil to flow, then you’re good to go. Just avoid gunning the engine on a cold start.
Back in the day, when cars had carburetors, warming up was important. Now, modern cars just need you to drive gently for the first 10 minutes to warm up.
Let it warm up enough to clear the windows. Once that’s done, the engine should be at operating temp. Make sure your car’s ready for the winter (check antifreeze, belts, etc.)
Your dad is wrong. Start the car, wait about 10 seconds for the high idle to drop, then drive it normally. Don’t push it hard until the engine warms up.
On my 2020 and 2023, the high idle drops after about 2 minutes. I remote start mine for 2-5 minutes before driving. I only let it run longer in extreme cold (like -8°F). Letting the car warm up for over 10 minutes isn’t necessary.
How about not revving the engine hard at all?
This is one of those debates that never ends. Personally, I don’t like jumping into a cold car and hate scraping windows, so I let mine warm up a bit. Some people just get in and go, but it’s really up to you.
I think letting oil warm up is fine, but synthetic oil should be okay right after the RPMs drop. It’s mostly a personal preference.
I heard that all motor oils are better now, and full synthetic is a bit of a marketing gimmick these days.
Full synthetic isn’t a scam, it offers benefits in performance and longevity, especially if you’re pushing long intervals between oil changes.
Warming up the car is more for your comfort and convenience than the car’s health. I’ve had cars in -40°C conditions and they lasted over 250k km without issues. Idling for 10 minutes multiple times a week adds up to wear on the engine.
Take it easy for the first half mile or so. No hard acceleration until the engine’s warmed up.
Actually, your dad’s advice isn’t great. This car has a modern engine, and letting it idle that long isn’t good for it. Start the car, let it idle for a couple of minutes, then drive gently until it warms up.
For gas cars, it doesn’t matter much. I usually let mine warm up until the windshield is clear. For diesels, it’s much more important to let them warm up before moving.
No need to let your car warm up. If your windows fog up, just crack open the passenger side windows for a bit.
My car’s a bit picky, so I let it run for 2-3 minutes before driving. Not sure if it’s the computer or the fluids needing to move, but if I don’t let it warm up a bit, the car starts acting weird. 2017 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0L.
No need to sit there warming it up. Just start it, wait for the idle to drop, then drive slowly until the engine warms up. Idling for too long wastes gas and doesn’t help the car.
No need for a long warm-up. Just let the idle drop, then drive gently until it warms up. Warming up your car just wastes gas. You want the exhaust to heat up, and that’ll happen as soon as you get going.
New cars have a high idle when you start them. Once the RPMs drop, you can go.