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- Car manufacturers don't have consistent advice on how long you should idle your car in the cold.
- So it's no wonder mechanics don't all agree on the subject, either.
- Generally speaking, idling your car for about 30 seconds when it's cold can help it run smoothly.
It's cold outside and you're running late. Is it OK to just start your car and go, or should you wait for the engine to warm up a bit before hitting the road?
This winter, I've often found myself in this predicament and it's made me wonder whether my impatience — and poor time management — is taking a toll on my car, or the environment.