For how long should the average car be warmed up in the winter?

Question

I want to make sure I do it long enough. On the other hand, I don't want to let the car idle needlessly when I can just go ahead and go. How long should I warm it up?

I'm not the one putting the thumbsdown, btw. You're all helping me indifferent ways.

Answer 1

Tests have been done with question in mind. In the summertime it been proven that it isn't needed at all. In the winter, it depends on the oil grade your using and how cold it is. That 10w40 means something, its actually the viscosity of the oil at the two extremes of its temp range. I lived in maine for a while and if you didn't plug your car in and have an engine heater, you weren't going anywhere in the morning. I'd let it idle for a couple of minutes, 3 to 5. Get that oil flowing and moving through the engine, then go. Oh, and the gas, its said you spend more gas in the start up then in the idling.

Answer 2

I was reading in Canadian Technician (i do believe) and the article was saying let it warm up until the car is at normal idol, and drive it slowly, and easly until the temperature of the car warms up. That way the car warms up as a whole, instead just a few parts of it warming up at a time. People tend to let the car warm up for 10 minutes will drive it harder and do a fair bit of internal damage and damage componants becasue the car was driven too hard for how cold the car was. People seem to forget about other systems in the car, if these do not heat up at the same time as the engine it can cause damage.

Answer 3

Cars really need only a minute or so, idling just wasted gas. Warming up the car just makes it more comfortable for the driver and passengers. The best way to warm up the car is by driving gently, don't be jamming on the gas or brakes, running up the revs before shifting, lugging the engine in a manual trans car or jumping right on the freeway and zooming right up to 80. Just take it easy and it will warm up just fine.

Answer 4

I let mine warm up for a good 15 minutes. 30 seconds isnt nearly enough, that is the same as none at all. You need to let your engine get to the proper operating temperature to ensure the thick cold oil gets hot and flows through your engine. Starting cold and driving right away will cause extra wear on the engine and engine parts.

Answer 5

You shouldn't. Your car is ready to drive within 30 seconds after you start it.

The best way to warm your car up is to drive it. With computer controlled, fuel-injected engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling before driving away. Things like wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires only warm up when your car is moving.

Answer 6

For me, 10-15 mintues does the trick. In the morning I get dressed, turn on my car and while it's warming up, I do my hair and make-up. I kill 2 birds with 1 stone!

Answer 7

Five minutes is usually enough, Turn on the car heater. If after five minutes the air is warm, you are good to drive.

Answer 8

Depends on the temperature outside.

If it falls to well below freezing, say anywhere from five to fifteen degrees, generally five minutes is enough warming up.

If it falls below zero, which is rare in many places, then it could take ten to fifteen minutes of warming up.

Answer 9

until your temp gauge gets in the normal temp range.... depends on how cold out it is, but once your heat starts putting out warm air you should be ok.....engine needs to get at least that warm so your oil is properly doing its job in lubricating

Answer 10

3 minutes