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How long should you let a car idle before driving?
I just moved to a wintery climate and I’m worried about my car’s performance. How long should you idle your car before driving it in the cold?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not idle your car before driving—even in cold temperatures.
Idling your car before driving for any amount of time has several adverse effects:
- It wastes fuel.
- It contributes to pollution.
- It can decrease your engine’s lifespan with unnecessary wear and tear.
The bottom line: Experts recommend turning off the engine until you’re ready to drive rather than let it idle for more than 30 seconds.
Pro tip: Give yourself some extra time to warm up your car on especially cold mornings by driving around at slow speeds for a few minutes before tackling any major acceleration.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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