Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Warm Up Your Car in Winter | March 22, 2025

Icy mornings always raise the same question: should you warm up your car before setting off? Is this action, often considered essential, still relevant or does it belong to another era?
Warming up your car: a necessity or a waste?
Common misconceptions about preheating

Many people think that in winter, it is necessary to let the engine idle to “warm up” the car before setting off. This belief is inherited from the time when carburetors were fitted to most vehicles. But with modern engines, this practice is no longer as useful as one might think.

Contrary to popular belief, letting the engine idle does not warm it up effectively. In reality, it is by driving gently that the engine reaches its optimum temperature. This may seem counterintuitive, but modern electronic fuel management systems allow the engine to operate efficiently from the start, even in cold weather.

Exceptions to the rule
Is your car over 30 years old? If so, warming up the engine is still an important step. Older engines equipped with carburetors require this preheating to ensure good lubrication and prevent premature wear of parts.

For modern cars, however, one minute is usually enough for the oil to distribute throughout the engine. Extending this time is unnecessary and contributes to fuel waste while increasing pollutant emissions.

Why continue to warm up your car?
Comfort and safety above all

Beyond mechanical considerations, warming up your car in winter can be useful for your comfort and safety. Leaving the engine running for a few moments allows the defroster to work effectively and eliminate fog or frost on the windows. An essential step to ensure optimal visibility and safe driving.

However, avoid leaving your car running unattended. Not only does this increase the risk of theft, but it can also be dangerous if your car is parked in an enclosed space, such as a garage, due to carbon monoxide emissions.

Preserve your car