Warming up your car for longer than a minute is an outdated habit that wastes fuel, time, and could even harm your engine.
How Long Should You Warm Up Your Car?
If your vehicle was built after 1980, idling it for more than 30 seconds is unnecessary. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, modern engines don’t need extended warm-up times, and idling can burn up to half a gallon of fuel per hour depending on engine size and air conditioning use. Most manufacturers also recommend the 30-second rule.
Contrary to popular belief, your engine warms up faster when you’re driving rather than sitting idle. Prolonged idling doesn’t offer any real benefits; instead, it wastes fuel and increases wear on engine components.
Can Idling Harm Your Car?
Yes. Excessive idling can cause damage to key engine components such as cylinders, spark plugs, and the exhaust system, as reported by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Additionally, critical parts of your vehicle, including wheel bearings, tires, and the suspension system, only warm up when the car is in motion. All it takes is 30 seconds of idling to ensure the oil circulates properly.
Where Did the “Warm Up Your Car” Myth Come From?
Many of us learned the habit of warming up our cars from our parents, who likely drove vehicles built before 1980. Older cars used carburetor engines that required warming up to prevent stalling, especially in cold weather. Additionally, older motor oil formulations flowed more slowly in low temperatures, further delaying engine performance.
Today’s vehicles, however, feature advanced fuel injection systems that ensure proper lubrication almost immediately. Consumer Reports advises avoiding high revs until the engine temperature gauge moves off the cold reading, but there’s no need to sit idling for minutes on end.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Waste Gas and Time
If your car was built in the last few decades, warming it up for more than 30 seconds is unnecessary. Not only does it waste fuel and money, but excessive idling can also contribute to engine wear. The best way to warm up your vehicle is simply to start driving it.
