GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Fuel Economy > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Does warming up your car help?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Rocketmann Rookie Author Colorado Posts:4 Points:7,930 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 13, 2011 9:48:59 AM Ignore Rocketmann Report Abuse My grandfather always told me to warm up the car before taking off. As I do more research I am finding that this does not really help at all. In fact letting a car sit there for a few wears the engine down faster! I am finding that so long as you are easy on the gas until your engine is at optimal running temp you don't really need to let it warm up. Thoughts on this? How do you know, whats your prior knowledge of the mechanics of a car?

Rocketmann

Rookie Author
Colorado

Posts:4
Points:7,930
Joined:Apr 2011

Message Posted: Apr 13, 2011 9:48:59 AM

Ignore Rocketmann Report Abuse

My grandfather always told me to warm up the car before taking off. As I do more research I am finding that this does not really help at all. In fact letting a car sit there for a few wears the engine down faster! I am finding that so long as you are easy on the gas until your engine is at optimal running temp you don't really need to let it warm up.

Thoughts on this? How do you know, whats your prior knowledge of the mechanics of a car?

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

Titanic1985 Champion Author South Carolina Posts:6,283 Points:359,520 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 8:14:27 AM Ignore Titanic1985 Report Abuse Good Morning Rocketmann. Gvan's answer, "No, start and go but drive conservatively at least until the vehicle warms up." That is the correct approach for today's vehicles. I do, however, have a remote start feature and do start the vehicle in the carport as I approach it. It is only a few seconds, but it gets the oil flowing. My advice is to follow what is written in your Owner's Manual, paying particular attention to the viscosity of oil used and your local weather conditions. Gvan is from Chicago as I was for over five years. They get some very cold winter mornings. Take care :-). MGY
gougedQC Champion Author Montreal Posts:5,130 Points:69,885 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 6:33:22 AM Ignore gougedQC Report Abuse from a mechanical point of view, absolutely unnecessary in modern cars, with modern computers, injection and modern lubricants. regardless of how cold, its pretty much start and go....go reasonably mind you, because ALL parts of the vehicle are cold.,,not just the engine. but even at far below freezing, you can start and move off.
wldhrs1 All-Star Author Alabama Posts:748 Points:152,080 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 6:55:36 PM Ignore wldhrs1 Report Abuse Read the comment below by dontuknowOH Either he is a mechanic with a clear understanding of engine mechanics or he researched. He hit the bullseye on this one. I couldn't have said it better.
diesdown Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,700 Points:513,000 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 6:40:49 PM Ignore diesdown Report Abuse Help the car or the passengers?
cayo32 Rookie Author Toronto Posts:61 Points:75,505 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 2:31:55 PM Ignore cayo32 Report Abuse yes, for old cars
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 9:36:44 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Honestly I think Mechanical for-play helps,but as all things age,seems an awful amount of static is often generated,must be rust taking hold,they sell rust preventor it's often a cooling off system additive.....
russells350 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,891 Points:607,270 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 8:09:30 AM Ignore russells350 Report Abuse no
wshokie12 Champion Author Winston-Salem Posts:1,330 Points:217,760 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 12:37:35 AM Ignore wshokie12 Report Abuse yes, but i don't
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,043 Points:1,857,670 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 9:33:37 PM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse for my older vehicles, yes
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,250 Points:331,125 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 9:12:46 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse yes it helps heat up engine
installer All-Star Author San Diego Posts:941 Points:479,275 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 9:50:05 AM Ignore installer Report Abuse I've heard it does better for all things to warm up a minimum and drive slowly for the first few minutes until the needle comes off the peg and then speedup slowly. It really irritates others on the road. Probably best reason.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,666 Points:760,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 9:03:39 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse A little
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,547 Points:2,838,240 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 9:22:52 AM Ignore gvan Report Abuse No, start and go but drive conservatively at least until the vehicle warms up.
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,735 Points:1,583,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 9:10:20 AM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse I only warm the car if the windows need to be cleared.
diesel8888 Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:1,197 Points:361,110 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Nov 23, 2012 1:27:55 AM Ignore diesel8888 Report Abuse My diesel sure needs a warm up when it's cold. I think it helps my car to run smother:-) but I heard idling is not good for your engine too.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,666 Points:760,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 8:25:11 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Maybe a little
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 4:06:02 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse When outside temps are near freezing or in the 20's F ,most cars since the mid 90's can be driven away after 60-30 seconds moderatly for warm-up. Usually the defrost mode is selected along with hot heater modes,with the A/C unite energised and giving up a small amount of heat toward the vehicles radiator even,also tending to remove some moisture from within that vehicle. The remaining drivetrain is still a bit stiff untill the engine temps reach 150 degrees,taking 3 minutes or more depending on speed/weather temps. Colder meaning longer,this is the reason for moderate operation during warm-up while driving. On the later models,if you are not getting enough cabin heat(hot air circulation from vents)your cabin filter may be clogged with debris/dirt,which will restrict heater hot air flow at the vents....?
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,250 Points:331,125 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Nov 19, 2012 10:23:40 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse slightly maybe depends
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,547 Points:2,838,240 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Nov 19, 2012 5:37:20 PM Ignore gvan Report Abuse Drive conservatively to warm up your car.
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,067 Points:802,245 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Nov 19, 2012 3:00:28 PM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse Right on sunite..
lil_ebb Sophomore Author Virginia Beach Posts:100 Points:61,940 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 6:11:28 PM Ignore lil_ebb Report Abuse i always thought that was a waste of gas..does it work?
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,250 Points:331,125 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 6:01:15 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse possible
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 7:16:24 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Maybe
Jayburt All-Star Author Toledo Posts:529 Points:131,890 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 1:49:57 AM Ignore Jayburt Report Abuse Always for at least 20 seconds..even on a warm day. In real cold weather for a minute to let the lubrication get to all the internals, but leaving a car (or truck) idle for long periods of time is just silly, oil pressure is low and your just wearing parts without need.
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,735 Points:1,583,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2012 12:21:44 AM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Back in grandfathers day it did help. With todays cars just start and drive, unless you need to clear the windows.
sunite All-Star Author Virginia Posts:936 Points:226,795 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Nov 12, 2012 10:46:10 PM Ignore sunite Report Abuse If below freezing, let it run for 1-2 minutes. By then engine is up to around 80-100 degrees. Go easy since transmission and drive train hasn't warmed up, after 2-3 miles everything should be up to normal temps..
nycztony85 Veteran Author New York Posts:330 Points:44,380 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 9, 2012 7:07:01 PM Ignore nycztony85 Report Abuse Yes
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Nov 9, 2012 2:17:28 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Its never wise or good to race a cold engine right after start-up,yes oil pressure is being pumped to most all load bearings,but the fast moving pistons,rings,cylinder walls are dealing with extreem heat in the combustion chambers at that same time, also sealing must take place where very littlr oil lubrication is slim until proper engine temps arrive and more oil is then slung into those areas increasing surface coverage for those high speeds/pressures of a healthy engine,then preventing extra wear,reducing heat friction on those parts also. This is the primary reason for taking it easy on the go pedel untill the engine warming is complete,the colder the day/night effects the engine reaching the good operations temps the longer the time interval. Most engines are not harmed by a cold drive-away at low RPMs below 2,000 or less STD. trannys no lugging,but automatics are more cushioned to loading on warm-ups,and will do fine. If your are really hurried most of the time,well they make and sell lots of parts everywhere to remedy the rescue!
forresj Champion Author Wilmington Posts:2,794 Points:545,205 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Nov 9, 2012 1:10:12 PM Ignore forresj Report Abuse Your grandfather was probably driving a horse and buggy. Warming up the car is not needed anymore for fuel-injectors. Newer cars are computer controlled and air-fuel ratio sensor adjusts the mixture in your engine based on the data retrieved from oxygen and various sensors. It's a waste of gas and your money to let your car warm up. However, it's a good idea to let the engine oil distribute throughout the engine before departing which shouldn't take more than a minute.
Commute2 Champion Author District of Columbia Posts:1,163 Points:88,035 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Nov 9, 2012 12:57:54 PM Ignore Commute2 Report Abuse Only if the windows are frosted
twt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:8,748 Points:998,835 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 4:08:06 AM Ignore twt Report Abuse Car/truck, no. Air cooled motorcycle,yes.
olympusman2004 Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,681 Points:371,505 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2012 12:27:56 AM Ignore olympusman2004 Report Abuse sometimes just some seconds
Commute2 Champion Author District of Columbia Posts:1,163 Points:88,035 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 9:15:43 PM Ignore Commute2 Report Abuse Sometimes
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,735 Points:1,583,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 8:05:04 AM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Only if its needed to clear the windows.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 6:52:42 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
jonjon57 Champion Author Raleigh Posts:2,447 Points:634,910 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2012 12:36:48 AM Ignore jonjon57 Report Abuse No
cmmattia Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,994 Points:393,535 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 7:19:43 PM Ignore cmmattia Report Abuse i dont warm up my car, dont believe it helps :)P
ultimate Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,778 Points:1,334,695 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 8:05:20 AM Ignore ultimate Report Abuse no
BringIt918 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:1,340 Points:286,275 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 7:39:51 AM Ignore BringIt918 Report Abuse No
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2012 7:01:50 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse No
MopedTime All-Star Author Michigan Posts:769 Points:362,035 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2012 9:56:46 PM Ignore MopedTime Report Abuse I would think warming up the engine would help, but do not do so for too long. Of course, in cold weather, engines do need more time to reach operating tem[erature range. I'd say 3 minutes in the warm weather, and up to 10 minutes in freezing temp. You need to time to clear the windshield frost anyway.
RRBC Champion Author Victoria Posts:2,715 Points:531,015 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2012 9:34:12 PM Ignore RRBC Report Abuse Have not noticed.
majormarket All-Star Author Houston Posts:829 Points:791,235 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2012 7:58:27 PM Ignore majormarket Report Abuse With the August heat here in Texas, we don't worry about warming up our cars. We actually worry about the opposite - keeping the car cool.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,666 Points:760,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Aug 24, 2012 6:59:13 AM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Yes a little
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,043 Points:1,857,670 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Aug 24, 2012 12:21:10 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse my older car (1989) yes
DoctorOH Champion Author Cleveland Posts:4,878 Points:1,079,350 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 24, 2012 12:03:43 AM Ignore DoctorOH Report Abuse Yes i think so
HotRod10 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,280 Points:40,550 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 23, 2012 10:19:25 PM Ignore HotRod10 Report Abuse Well, in your grandfather's day, before fuel injection, it was a necessity in cold weather to warm it up, and more fuel-efficient as well. Driving with the choke on uses a huge amount of gas over idling with the choke. In fuel injected vehicles, you'll probably use less gas by just starting and driving. Revving up the rpms right after starting, before the oil is flowing freely, will probably result in more wear than allowing the oil to circulate for a minute or so. For comfort and safety I warm mine for about 20 minutes when it's really cold, which in my car ('92 Metro 3 cyl., 1.0L) costs less than a quarter, and well worth it.
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,735 Points:1,583,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 23, 2012 12:47:04 PM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Only in the winter to clear the windows.
wamster Champion Author Houston Posts:4,265 Points:696,035 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 8:31:11 AM Ignore wamster Report Abuse In freezing weather, I believe it's a good idea to make sure your oil has circulated through. I used to have a diesel truck, and definitely had to warm it up for five minutes. Summer or winter; I start my gasoline vehicle and let it run for about a minute. I noticed the engine warms much more quickly on my new cars than my old cars.
mystifiedinga Rookie Author Savannah Posts:1 Points:136,295 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 8:04:07 AM Ignore mystifiedinga Report Abuse I now live in the south and I don't worry about warming my vehicle up. But in Alaska it does make a difference. The engine runs better and it gets the fluids all moving good... at least in the extreme winter time.