What the Experts Now Say About the Necessity of Warming Up a Car

Millions of Americans have been greeted with subzero temperatures to start the day over the last week as wave after wave of Arctic air infiltrates the U.S. There is nothing worse than having to start the day inside a freezing cold vehicle. Which begs the question - does a car really need to be warmed up before use? Read on for the opposing viewpoints from the experts.

Benefits of Warming Up a Car on a Cold Morning

Warming up the car in the morning has been a winter ritual for many for decades. However, new research is calling this practice into question. The process of starting the engine of a vehicle and allowing it to run idle for several minutes to ensure that it is running properly was once standard practice. Some vehicle experts now say that this is outdated. But why?

Most cars engineered prior to 1995 relied on the use of a carburetor. This device combined air and fuel to run. Now most new vehicles use a fuel injection method, meaning that the engine does not need to be warmed up after sitting outside in lower temperatures.

Car experts in favor of turning on the vehicle and letting it run idle for a few minutes before driving during the winter months say that doing so can improve the car's fuel economy as well as its overall performance. Warming up a car prior to use also boosts the hydraulic efficiency and lubrication. Every degree of warmth assists in the flow of oil and automatic transmission fluid, preventing wear and tear. Because the oil is the heart of the engine, giving this fluid time to warm up will amplify its ability to flow at maximum levels of output.

Lastly, experts cite that warming up a vehicle supports the flow of the engine's antifreeze system. This creates a warmer and cozier interior for passengers.