Experts Debunk Myth: Modern Cars Don’t Need Long Idling to Warm Up

Automotive expert Chris pointed out on TikTok that modern vehicles manufactured after the 1990s no longer require prolonged idling to warm up. He explained that today’s engines use electronic fuel injection and computerized controls, allowing them to automatically adjust right after startup. Idling, in fact, causes uneven engine heating and keeps the oil too cold, leading to increased wear. Moreover, components like the transmission and differential only warm up effectively when the vehicle is in motion. The correct approach is to wait 15–30 seconds after starting the engine to allow oil pressure to stabilize, then drive gently until both coolant and oil temperatures reach their normal operating ranges. The U.S. Department of Energy supports this view, emphasizing that idling for more than 10 seconds wastes fuel and increases emissions. Even in cold weather, extended idling offers no mechanical benefit—aside from necessary defrosting—and instead harms the vehicle and pollutes the environment.