You always have packed daily schedules to realize the benefits of warming up your car. Freezing temperatures can take a toll on your car.
Winter seems to cause delays in everything. You delay getting out of bed and take longer to get yourself ready. And when you’re prepared to leave, the car needs a warm-up. Embrace the situation; your car needs a little love.
Many people claim that modern cars don’t need to warm up. For earlier cars, it was a norm. Carburettor engines needed a little warm-up to function efficiently. However, modern automakers have made it even easier.
Nowadays, cars have advanced cooling systems with anti-freeze fluids and more computerized controls. You don’t need to spend much time warming them up. But all vehicles require a warm-up despite the technology.
What if you have a packed breakfast to take as you drive? And you have worn your warm clothes. Is it worth hitting the road? NO! Unless the engine is warmed up.
Never let the cold ruin your engine. Give it a few minutes, and you’ll be good to go. Additionally, a cold cabin can cost you more of your health than you think.
Benefits of Warming Up Your Car in the Morning
How long should I leave my car running before driving? In another case, should I warm up my car in summer? All car owners have these questions in mind.
Below are the benefits of warming up your car every morning;
1. Improved combustion
Many car enthusiasts don’t say that a cold engine has poor combustion. Cold engines emit excessive hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide.
Cold cylinder walls first accelerate the issue. And second, the excessive gasoline injected into the combustion chamber to compensate for the evaporation delay.
If you drive the vehicle at this state, you’ll require more power than when idling to warm up. Unfortunately, poor combustion with forced performance will quickly wear the engine.
Usually, a car’s catalytic converter will not process all these excessive gases.
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2. Improved gas mileage
Excessive hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide emitted by the cold engines are clear evidence of poor combustion.
It’s a clear indication that fuel is incompletely burnt and released through the tailpipe. This issue contributes to poor gas mileage.
Many people claim that idling to warm-up won’t save you gas either. It’s true, but while driving, you’ll be wasting even higher fuel amounts and reducing the engine’s lifespan.
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3. Lubrication and Hydraulic efficiency
Engine oil and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) thicken when a car sits stationary for an extended period. Oil and ATF will flow despite the cold. But they require a specific temperature to flow better and effectively lubricate the car parts.
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A car idles at lower revolutions per minute (RPM). A clear indication the internal parts will rotate at a slower speed. At this less risky speed, the parts experience less friction when the lubricants aren’t fully circulated.
The oil pump circulates the oil to all moving parts in a few minutes of cranking. Now take a look;
Already warm oil and ATF will easily flow to reduce friction at higher RPMs, and your engine will be safe.
4. Improved performance
Cold piston walls are the root cause of poor combustion. The second cause is less lubricated moving parts.
When the engine warms up, everything runs smoothly. The pistons will move smoothly, and the vehicle will perform better. It takes a few minutes of patience to hit the road as per your desires.
5. Warms Up the Cabin
A cold cabin will be less comfortable to enjoy your ride. You just get behind the wheel shivering.
Driving in heavy warm clothes may not be enjoyable too. Winter jackets and gloves can be voluminous enough to cause distractions in the car.
A warm cabin will save you from respiratory conditions caused by mold and mildew. It will also increase driving safety by clearing the fog from the windows and windshield.
Poor visibility, unlike accident risk, can cost you much time on the road.
Tips to Properly Warm Up Your Car
Below, this article will guide you on how to warm up car engine faster. The ideas will also save you time and enhance your car safety.
Ensure your vehicle is safe
Leaving your car unattended while the engine is running is risky. Motor vehicle theft cases are on the rise.
You wouldn’t want to lose the valuable car that takes you to your destinations. Second, burglars are always keen on unattended vehicles to steal items.
Always ensure your car is safe before leaving it to warm up.
Install a remote start system
A remote start system will save you time. Immediately after getting out of bed, you head to the bathroom to get yourself ready. Afterward, while taking breakfast, you can start your car to warm up and save time.
A remote start system will save you from morning cold by avoiding walking to the garage to start the car.
Use a vehicle Defroster
Turn on the defroster to clear up the fog faster and distribute engine heat within the cabin. The method reduces the warm-up time.
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Start by driving slowly
If you are in a hurry, take it easy for the first 15 to 20 minutes of driving. The car will move at low RPM, and after 1 to 2 miles, you’ll be good to press hard the gas pedal.
FAQs on Car Warm Up
How Long Should You Let Your Car Warm Up?
The duration taken to warm a car depends on various factors. If the weather is freezing, you need more time. Second, if your car is packed for long, you need more time for engine oil and ATF thinning.
Is It Bad to Drive With a Cold Engine?
It’s good to let your engine warm-up for improved gas mileage, performance, and lubrication. If you have to drive immediately, take it easy for the first one or two miles to let the engine warm.
How Often Should You Start Your Car?
At least once a week is enough to lubricate the engine parts. You can drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge your car battery. Keeping your battery in good condition adds to the benefits of warming up your car.
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