Do you really need to warm your car up before driving it in the winter?

 Central Florida may not be known for being a winter wonderland, but we get our fair share of chilly mornings and evenings (this weekend is supposed to be in the 30s - that's cold). One thing we commonly hear from drivers visiting our service department is "do I really have to warm the car up before I drive it in cold weather?" Misinformation abounds on this one, and we've got answers. 

Do I need to warm up my car before hitting the road? 

The long and short of it is it depends on your vehicle. It all boils down to whether your car is an older model or a newer one.

When your car sits for an extended period of time - like overnight in your driveway - all of the engine oil drains to the bottom of the oil pan. It has to recirculate through the engine to ensure all parts are lubricated and ready to work when you push the accelerator and demand performance, especially when the temperatures outside are cold. 

If you drive an older vehicle, it's recommended that you let the car run for a few minutes before you try to go anywhere. If you don't, the oil won't be dispersed through the engine and you risk damaging your car's pistons, which is a pricey and time-consuming repair. 

• Older cars take a long time to lubricate and warm the engine because they're just not as technologically or mechanically advanced as newer vehicles. 
• That's where the myth stems from - if you drive an older vehicle, then yes, it's wise to let it warm up and lubricate itself before you put the pedal to the metal. 
• However, a few minutes is the best time frame for warming up your car. The best way to actually warm up your car is to drive it. After you've let it idle for a few minutes, go ahead and hit the road. Extended idling just wastes time and gas. 

If you drive a new car,  it takes far less time for the car engine to be ready to hit the road. We're talking maybe 20-30 seconds to lubricate the entire engine - by the time you put your seatbelt on and pick a Spotify playlist, you're ready to roll. Your engine may not be WARM, per say, but it's lubricated and as such, ready to go. And remember, the best way to warm up your engine is to drive it and put it through its paces. 

It all boils down to how old your car is and how comfortable you feel about warming it up. All in all, if you want to take a few minutes to warm up your engine, get the heater running inside the cabin, turn on your defroster for a clear field of vision, and buckle up, you'll be in good shape. Your engine should be lubricated and driving it will cause it to thoroughly warm up and be ready to take on any performance demands that you throw at it. Don't waste gas or cause more emissions than you need to - trust us on this one. 

Let Toyota of Clermont help you prep for winter driving 

Have questions about driving in cold weather, driving in snow, or need help getting your vehicle prepped and ready for it? Call Toyota of Clermont today. We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000 and we're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.