Warming the Engine First

I was always told that if it’s a cold, cold morning, I should let my engine run for at least five minutes before heading out on the road. So that’s what I did when I lived in Los Angeles, and when I drove rentals on the mainland.

Now, I find out that warming up the engine before driving on cold days, to make sure your engine runs smoothly. is outdated advice. You don’t have to do that anymore.

Both the Automobile Association of America and Popular Mechanics have debunked the old myth that our fathers (perhaps grandfathers or great-grandfathers) have tried to instill in us over the years.

Newer cars manufactured during the past 20 years are designed to be driven immediately after starting. They are have better lubrication and are more resistant to sludge formation, so if you let your engine run for a while, all you’re doing is wasting gas.

It IS true that low-temperature running will cause unburned fuel, water and acids to collect in the crankcase, and if you only make short trips that last less than a half-hour, then that could be a problem.

However, just make trips of at least a half-hour once or twice a month and that should take care of it.

There. Now you know. Just make sure to scrape the snow and ice off your windshield first.