Almost every driver does this one particular thing when it gets colder out with the purpose of helping it run better: Warming up your car before driving in the cold. We hate to break it to you, but it is simply a myth.
The Verdict
Most cars don’t need to be warmed up to ensure good health and efficiency. This may have been true for old car models, but it is not required in modern cars.
Why Don't You Need to Warm Up Your Vehicle
With advancements in the automotive industry, vehicles can quickly start and run smoothly without a long warm-up process. If the temperature in Centennial, OH, is exceptionally cold outside or freezing (or under 32 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing the vehicle to run for about 30 seconds to a minute is plenty to get your systems running along. Letting the car run longer than a minute will simply just waste excess gas. Additionally, it can cause more wear and tear to the engine and add more air pollution.
Exceptions
There are exceptions if you need your car to run the defroster and scrape ice off the windshield. Some people may also justify it to have a warm and comfortable car to hop in. The reasoning for these is acceptable, but you should know that you are incurring costs and wear when idling.
Ultimately, the decision you make regarding heating your car before driving is up to the age of your vehicle. Furthermore, if you have a newer car, it is all up to personal preference. For most drivers, 30 seconds to 1 minute is sufficient enough in cooler weather. By following this parameter, you can save gas, money, time, and emissions. For all your automotive maintenance and repair needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team at Elite Imports & Auto Repair.