How Long Should You Keep Your Car Engine Heated?

The Old Way of Thinking

In the past, it was common to let your car engine idle for several minutes before driving. This was thought to be necessary to warm up the engine and get it running smoothly. However, this is no longer the case.

Modern Engines Warm Up Faster

Modern engines are designed to warm up much faster than older engines. This is due to advances in engine design and the use of synthetic oils. As a result, it is no longer necessary to idle your engine for several minutes before driving.

Idling Can Waste Gas and Damage Your Engine

Idling your engine can actually waste gas and damage your engine. When your engine is idling, it is not running at its most efficient speed. This can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, idling can cause carbon deposits to build up on your engine’s valves and pistons, which can lead to decreased performance and increased maintenance costs.

When to Warm Up Your Engine

The best way to warm up your engine is to drive it gently. This will allow the engine to warm up gradually as you drive. If you must idle your engine, do so for no more than 30 seconds.

Conclusion

Letting your car engine idle for several minutes before driving is no longer necessary. Modern engines are designed to warm up much faster than older engines, and idling can actually waste gas and damage your engine. The best way to warm up your engine is to drive it gently.