Driving Your Car Is a Better Way to Warm it Up

Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car When It’s Cold?

Several pervasive myths linger among vehicle owners that just won’t go away. One piece of misinformation we encounter often is the idea that you need to warm up your car before driving. While this used to be true, modern technology has eliminated that necessity. We asked some of the experienced pros from the Davis Chevrolet Service Department what drivers need to do with their cars, trucks, and SUVs as the temperatures begin to cool for the fall.

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Why Did Cars Need to Be Warmed Up?

In the old days (prior to the 90s), automobiles used carburetors to mix air and fuel to produce ignition. The engine needed to run for a bit to make sure the mixture was correct. Modern powertrains use fuel injection, meaning that a computer automatically controls the fuel/air mix to be as efficient as possible in most conditions. 

Instead of idling for minutes, the best way to warm up your car is to start it, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, and then drive gently. The engine warms up faster when it’s under light load, meaning moderate driving (not revving hard or accelerating quickly) will help bring it to operating temperature more efficiently than idling.

Conditions When Warming Up Might Be Needed

There are exceptions to just about every rule. There are a couple of situations when it might be a good idea to let your vehicle run idle for a few minutes. These examples include:

Extreme Cold Temperatures: If temperatures drop below -18°C, letting the engine idle for one to two minutes can help circulate the oil properly.

Defrosting and Safety: If your windshield is covered in frost or ice, letting the car run for a couple of minutes while using the defroster is important for visibility.

If you need any assistance in making sure your vehicle is ready to reliably work for you at all times, schedule an appointment with the Davis Chevrolet Service Department today.