STOP DOING THIS TO YOUR CAR IN WINTER!

Summary

In this video, the creator debunks the myth that modern cars need to idle in winter to warm up. Highlighting the evolution from carburetor engines to modern fuel-injected systems, the video explains that idling is unnecessary for most cars post-1985. The creator discusses how driving gently is the best way to warm up your engine and provides RPM guidelines for petrol and diesel engines. The video also clears up misconceptions about turbocharged engines needing extra warm-up time and offers practical advice for clearing ice or snow from your car windows.

Takeaways

• 😀 Letting your car idle to warm up is a common misconception, especially in winter, but it's not necessary for modern vehicles with fuel injection.
• 😀 The practice of warming up cars by idling originated in the era of carburetors, which needed time to adjust fuel-to-air ratios before driving.
• 😀 Most cars made after 1985 do not have carburetors, so modern fuel injection systems eliminate the need for extended idling to warm up the engine.
• 😀 Idling your car for too long can actually delay the engine reaching its optimal operating temperature, leading to more wear over time.
• 😀 The best way to warm up your car is by driving it gently, not by idling. Keep your revs under 3,000 RPM for the first 10 minutes if you drive a petrol engine.
• 😀 For diesel engines, limit revs to 2,000 RPM for the first 10 minutes, as diesels take longer to reach operating temperature.
• 😀 Turbocharged engines do not require prolonged idling either. As soon as the oil pressure light goes off, it's safe to drive normally.
• 😀 Driving your car normally as soon as the engine has oil pressure helps warm up the engine faster and more efficiently, preventing unnecessary wear.
• 😀 In winter, it’s better to start your car and let the engine warm up slightly to begin defrosting the windows, rather than scraping them with a completely cold engine.
• 😀 The notion that a car needs to idle for a long time to warm up is outdated. Modern engines, especially those with lightweight oils, warm up faster during normal driving.
• 😀 In extremely cold conditions, it's useful to use lukewarm water to defrost your windshield but avoid using boiling water to prevent cracking the glass.

Q & A

Why was it recommended to let cars idle to warm up in the past?

In the past, cars with carburetors needed to warm up because their fuel systems weren’t as advanced. Cold engines ran 'rich' with too much fuel, which could damage the engine. Idling allowed the fuel mixture to stabilize before driving.

Do modern cars need to idle to warm up before driving?

No, modern cars with fuel injection systems do not need to idle before driving. Idling is outdated and unnecessary, and it can actually cause more wear and tear on the engine.

What happens if you drive a car with a cold engine without idling first?

Driving a car with a cold engine is perfectly fine as long as you drive gently. Modern engines are designed to warm up efficiently while driving. Idling for long periods does not speed up the process and can cause engine wear.

How does idling affect the engine in cold weather?

Idling keeps the engine colder for longer and wastes fuel. Modern engines use lightweight oils that flow well even when cold, so it’s better to start driving gently to warm up the engine.

What is the best way to warm up your car in winter?

The best way to warm up your car in winter is to start the engine, wait for the oil light to go out (indicating oil pressure), then drive gently. Keep your RPMs low for the first few minutes to allow the engine to reach operating temperature.

Should you let the engine idle to heat the cabin in winter?

Idling the engine does not efficiently heat the cabin. It’s better to start driving immediately, as the engine warms up faster with the car in motion. If you need to defrost windows or clear snow, it’s fine to idle briefly, but the focus should be on starting the drive.

Do turbocharged engines require more time to warm up compared to regular engines?

Turbocharged engines don’t need more time to warm up compared to regular engines. As soon as oil pressure is established, the turbo bearings are lubricated. It’s important to keep the revs low when driving cold, but no special idling is required.

What is the role of oil pressure in engine warm-up?

Oil pressure is a key indicator that your engine is safely ready to be driven. Once the oil light goes off, the oil is circulating through the engine, ensuring proper lubrication. This is a sign that the engine is ready to be driven gently.

Why is it not recommended to let your car idle to warm up for too long?

Idling for too long wastes fuel, keeps the engine cold, and causes unnecessary wear on engine components. Modern engines are designed to warm up faster when driving at low speeds, and idling can delay this process.

Is there ever a situation where it’s acceptable to let your car idle in cold weather?

Yes, one acceptable situation is if your car’s windows or windshield are iced over or covered in snow. Idling briefly to warm up the cabin and defrost the windows can be helpful. However, this is for comfort and safety, not for engine warm-up.