Posted on 12/20/2024
When winter mornings roll around, there’s nothing quite like sitting in a toasty car while the world outside freezes. For many, idling the engine before driving is a ritual they swear by. But have you ever stopped to wonder if this habit is good for your car—or even necessary? Modern engines and environmental concerns have changed the game, making it important to understand how idling impacts your vehicle and the best way to get it winter-ready. Does Your Car Need to Idle in the Cold Not as much as you might think. Years ago, cars relied on carburetors, which required extra time to warm up before they could function properly. These days, nearly all vehicles come equipped with fuel-injection systems that adjust the air-fuel mixture automatically, even in freezing temperatures. So, unless your car is an older model, you don’t need to idle it for extended periods. Instead, driving your car gently after starting it is usually the best way to warm up th ... read more