Do you need to warm up your car before a trip: tips for different seasons

The question of whether it is necessary to warm up the car worries every motorist. Among drivers, there is no end to the debate about the advisability of this procedure. Some believe that warming up is a relic of the past and modern cars do not need it. Others argue that the longer the engine is warmed up, the better for the car.

Do you need to warm up your car in the summer?

To determine whether you need to warm up your car in the summer, first of all, you need to consider the temperature. If the temperature is over 10 degrees, there is no need for a long warming up. For comfortable driving in a gasoline or diesel car, 10-20 seconds is enough. In the transitional seasons, in the fall and spring, both gasoline and diesel cars need minimal warming up - up to a minute.

What about electric cars?

Many car owners believe that warming up electric cars is not necessary, because they do not have fuel. However, experts still advise warming up the car before driving in winter for at least 1-2 minutes, otherwise the efficiency of the traction battery decreases and, accordingly, the range decreases. By the way, if you are still in doubt whether it is worth switching to “green” transport, you can rent an electric car for a couple of days from Avis Ukraine, or test it for a year or two in electric car leasing from Avis Leasing will be a great opportunity to test this type of car. We have been working in Ukraine for over 28 years and during this time we have gained a strong reputation as a reliable and honest partner. Avis Leasing offers car rental and leasing for individuals and companies.

If we talk about the winter period, here drivers almost unanimously agree that warming up is necessary. Its features depend on the type of internal combustion engine:

• Gasoline. Modern injection systems allow you to quickly achieve optimal idle speed. However, it is recommended to let the engine run for about 5 minutes until the revs stabilize and the engine temperature gauge needle starts to rise slightly. This time is enough for the oil to start circulating and warm up a little.
• Diesel. Needs a more thorough approach. Fuel can thicken at low temperatures, making it more difficult to start the engine. Modern cars are equipped with glow plugs that heat the combustion chamber, making it easier to start. But they also need a little warming up at idle. Usually 5-10 minutes is enough.

So, when the thermometer drops below 0, you should warm up the engine. Regardless of whether the car is leased, rented, or your own, warming up will make starting easier and driving more comfortable. But remember that the start of movement should be smooth, without sudden acceleration and high revs.

Conclusion

It is still worth warming up the engine. Regardless of whether you store the car in the garage or outside, the oil becomes viscous after a long period of inactivity. In this state, it cannot fully perform its functions, so the friction of the engine elements increases. In addition, without warming up, fuel consumption increases, because the engine has to make more effort to heat the fuel mixture.