Why you shouldn't warm up your car after a frosty night: an expert explains a common mistake

On a cold morning after a frosty night, you can see started cars idling everywhere. It is commonly believed that it is impossible to start the engine safely without it. However, experts believe that this practice can do more harm than good.

Rod Dennis, a representative of the insurance company, told Ladbible that while the driver is warming up the car, harmful exhaust gases are wasted while warming up the car on the move is much more efficient. "In very cold conditions, idling can also accelerate engine wear," the expert added.

Experts also warn that if you leave the engine running while waiting for it to warm up, engine oil can drain from the cylinders and pistons, which can mean that your car's engine won't last as long as it should.

Earlier, former racing driver and mechanical engineer Stephen Ciatti of Argonne National Laboratory pointed out that during warm-up, additional fuel enters the combustion chamber, and after it is used up, some of it can get on the cylinder walls. "Gasoline is a great solvent, and it can really wash away oil from the walls if you run the engine idling for a long time," he explained. In addition, according to the expert, idling is not able to warm up the engine to the right temperature. To do this, it is better to just start driving carefully. The whole process can take from 5 to 15 minutes, after which you can switch to the usual driving mode.