The New Debate! To Warm Or Not To Warm Up Your Engine? Is It Really A Question, Or A Bunch Of Bunk?!

Summary

In this video, the host addresses the debate on whether to warm up your car in cold weather. They review an article claiming that warming up can damage modern engines, discuss manufacturer recommendations, and logically dissect the claims. The conclusion supports warming up vehicles, especially for those with older models or in extreme cold, to protect engines and ensure safe driving conditions.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The debate about whether to warm up your car in cold weather is common and often confusing.
• 😅 An article on Facebook claimed that warming up your car can damage the engine, which was humorous to the video creator.
• ❄️ Modern vehicles, especially those built after 1980, do not require extensive warm-up before driving in cold weather.
• 🔧 Idling in cold temperatures can actually shorten the engine's life by stripping away oil from the pistons and cylinders.
• 🚀 Gas-powered cars need oil to stay lubricated, and the oil pump circulates oil within a minute of starting the car.
• 🛠️ Constantly letting a cold engine idle can be counterproductive as it can strip away oil from critical engine components.
• 💡 For recent cars with electronic fuel injection, sensors adjust the air-fuel mixture to compensate for cold temperatures, unlike older carbureted engines.
• 🌡️ Most manufacturers recommend gentle driving after 30 seconds of starting the car in cold weather as the engine warms up faster when in motion.
• 🔋 Electric vehicles (EVs) are an exception, and it's advised to warm them up before unplugging to preserve battery range.
• 📖 Subaru's owner's manual instructs drivers to warm up the vehicle before driving, especially in cold conditions.

Q & A

What is the main debate discussed in the video?

The main debate discussed in the video is whether or not to warm up your car before driving in cold weather.

What does the video claim about warming up cars built after 1980?

The video claims that most vehicles built after 1980 no longer need to be warmed up before driving, and that driving after 30 seconds to a minute of starting the car is the best practice.

What harm does the video suggest can come from warming up your car in cold weather?

The video suggests that warming up your car in cold weather can damage the engine by stripping away oil from the engine's pistons and cylinders.

What role does the oil pump play according to the video?

The video explains that the oil pump circulates oil in less than a minute after starting the car, but if you let your car idle to warm up, the oil can get stripped away.

How does the video refute the claim that warming up the car is harmful?

The video refutes the claim by stating that the oil pump is constantly supplying oil pressure when the engine is running, regardless of whether it's idling or driving.

What does the video say about the difference between idling to warm up and driving a cold car?

The video argues that there is no significant difference because the oil pump provides pressurized engine oil all throughout the engine as long as it's running, and the rich fuel mixture occurs whether idling or driving.

What advice does the video give for electric vehicle owners regarding warming up their cars?

The video advises electric vehicle owners to warm up their cars before unplugging, as it can help preserve battery range.

What does the video mention about Subaru's recommendations for warming up the car?

The video mentions that Subaru recommends warming up the car before driving, as indicated by the blue temperature light and high idle during the warm-up procedure.

Why is it important to warm up the engine according to the video?

The video states that it's important to warm up the engine to allow fluids to flow well and protect the engine components, and to gradually acclimate the engine block, Pistons, crankshaft, and cylinder heads to stable temperatures.

What is the video's stance on the environmental concerns related to idling cars?

The video suggests that the environmental concerns about pollution from idling are minimal, as the car would still be in open loop whether idling or driving until it reaches a warm enough temperature.

What does the video suggest about the difference in warming up gasoline-powered vehicles versus electric vehicles?

The video suggests that gasoline-powered vehicles should not be warmed up to avoid damaging the engine, while electric vehicles should be warmed up to preserve battery range.