Debate: Should you warm up your car in winter or just drive it cold?

I grew up in Vermont and my dad always said let the car idle for 10 minutes before driving. But last week my neighbor in Colorado said that's actually bad for modern engines and wastes gas. So I tried his way for 3 days - just started my 2017 Honda and drove gently right away. The car felt fine and I saved like a gallon of gas over the week. But my dad swears the old way keeps the engine oil flowing better. Has anyone else dealt with this debate between old school and new school thinking?

3 comments

3 Comments

alicew6817d ago

A 2017 Honda doesn't need ten minutes, but thirty seconds is fine for the oil to get going.

grant.sam17d agoMost Upvoted

Had a buddy let his Civic warm up for five minutes and ruined a coil pack.

kelly.nora15d ago

Read somewhere that cold starts wear out the engine faster than idling ever could. Thirty seconds is plenty, just drive easy until the temp gauge moves.