1. It’s bad for the environment.
The EPA warns that unnecessary idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and contributes to engine wear. Idling contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and smog-forming pollutants.
2. It damages your engine.
According to Popular Mechanics, idling in park can strip oil from the engine’s cylinders and pistons, reducing engine life over time.
3. Driving warms the engine faster than idling.
Contrary to popular belief, the fastest way to warm up a car is to simply drive it. Letting it idle first is inefficient and unnecessary.
4. Older advice is outdated.
Before the 1990s, cars used carburetors that required idling to stabilize air/fuel mixtures. But since the advent of electronic fuel injection, modern engines are designed to operate properly right after starting.
Takeaway
If you drive a modern vehicle, you don’t need to idle it to warm it up in winter. Just start it, check for warning lights, and drive gently for the first few minutes. It’s better for your car, your wallet, and the environment.
