Cars don't need to warm up, only you do

Cars don't need to warm up, only you do

Engine designs and materials have changed over time and motor oil has improved in quality, so there's no longer a need to "warm up" cars in the winter.

"Idling gets you no where," said Mayhew at the CAA. "The car itself really does not need much of a warm up at all. By the time you start the car, put on your seatbelt and check the mirrors, you're ready to go.

"It's totally wasteful of fuel."

Instead of warming up the car to provide heat for an elderly person or a child, make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions when they get into the car. That way, they'll be comfortable until the vehicle warms up, and they can discard hats and unzip coats to match the cabin temperature as the heater kicks in. There's a safety-related reason for this approach, too. If a car is in an accident or breaks down you'll likely lose the engine as a source of heat, so it's wise to dress for the weather.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/consumers/winter-driving.html