Is it necessary to warm up the engine before driving a car?

It's become a habit and a rule for many drivers. But is it really necessary?

Jason Fenske of the YouTube channel Engineering Explained argues that it's unnecessary to warm up a car engine before driving.

Idling before driving is no longer necessary in cars thanks to the fuel injection system in the engine.

According to Fenske, current automotive technology with fuel injection systems allows drivers to skip the "idle start" before beginning their journey. The advantage of this system is its computer control, which speeds up the mixing of fuel and air. The air-fuel mixture reaches the ideal ratio for engine power generation right from the start. The intake air temperature is also optimally calculated for fuel combustion.

These advantages are something that cars with traditional carburetors cannot offer. Therefore, preheating the engine before driving becomes essential, especially in countries with low temperatures or freezing conditions.

However, skipping the warm-up phase doesn't mean immediately forcing the engine to operate at high intensity. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on engine components, it's best to drive at a moderate speed when starting the vehicle. This short period allows the lubricating oil to reach the necessary temperature and circulate fully to all parts of the engine.

According to VNE