The idea of letting your engine run away a few minutes before taking the road is rooted in the habits of many motorists, especially in winter. Yet, with current technologies, is this practice still needed, or could it even be detrimental to your engine? Let’s take stock.
A habit inherited from the past
In the past, cars required heating time to ensure good lubrication of mechanical parts. The engines of older vehicles (usually those before the 1990s) were less efficient in the cold and could suffer from premature wear if they were asked too quickly.
However, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies, such as electronic injection and sensors that automatically adjust the air-fuel mixture according to ambient temperature.
Result:
The engine is ready to run from start-up.
Why heating your engine can be a bad idea
Contrary to popular belief, allowing an engine to run at a standstill for several minutes can have negative consequences:
- Residues accumulation
In the cold, fuel combustion is less efficient, resulting in an accumulation of deposition in the engine and an alteration of the oil, thus reducing its lubrication capacity. - Unnecessary consumption and increased pollution
Rotating a stationary engine is wasting fuel unnecessarily and increasing CO2 emissions, which is harmful to the environment. - Use of the engine
Contrary to popular belief, modern motors heat up more effectively while rolling, as all mechanical parts rise in uniform temperature, without unnecessarily stressing some of them.
The right method for heating your engine effectively
Experts agree that the best way to heat an engine is to start and drive slowly, without climbing at high speed for the first few minutes. This allows:
- a gradual rise in temperature of the mechanical components.
- Better lubrication thanks to modern oils, more cold fluid.
- A transmission that works optimally.
Tip:
For diesel engines, it is recommended to wait one to two minutes before accelerating frankly, especially in very cold weather.