ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As frigid weather sweeps through the Midwest, many motorists hold on to the tradition of letting their vehicles idle for a few minutes before setting off. The idea seems logical: a toasty cabin and a warmed-up engine promise a more pleasant drive. But is this ritual really necessary or beneficial for modern cars?

Warming up your car is a practice rooted in the days when carburetors were common in vehicles, a time before the 1980s. Carbureted engines required extra warming to properly balance the air-fuel mixture in cold conditions, helping to prevent stalling. However, today’s cars come equipped with electronic fuel injection systems, which automatically adjust for temperature, rendering prolonged warm-ups mostly unnecessary.

Contemporary engines are built to circulate oil swiftly and reach optimal operating conditions with minimal idling. According to AAA, it’s advisable to start your car and idle only long enough to buckle your seatbelt—about 30 seconds. This brief idle time is sufficient for oil to lubricate essential parts. Afterward, gentle driving is the most effective way to warm the engine quickly and efficiently.

Consumer Reports concurs, emphasizing that engines achieve full lubrication within 20 to 30 seconds of starting. Prolonged idling not only wastes fuel but also increases emissions and can lead to unnecessary engine wear.

The Environmental Protection Agency highlights that idling contributes to air pollution and consumes fuel without any vehicle movement. Research indicates that idling for just 10 minutes can burn up to a quarter of a gallon of gas, which adds up significantly over an entire winter season.

There are a few scenarios where a slightly longer warm-up may help:

• Extreme cold: In sub-zero temperatures, idling for one to two minutes can help fluids reach optimal viscosity.
• Older vehicles: Cars built before the 1980s with carburetors may still need two to three minutes of idling.
• Heavy towing: A short warm-up can prevent overheating under load.

Electric vehicles are a different story. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency, so EV owners should precondition their cars by warming the battery and cabin while plugged in, before driving.

In addition, leaving your car running unattended can make it an easy target for thieves. Police departments report spikes in vehicle theft during the winter months when drivers leave cars idling outside homes or workplaces. If you use remote start, ensure it has an anti-theft feature.

For most modern cars, the best practice is simple: start your engine, wait about 30 seconds, and drive gently. Prolonged idling is unnecessary, costly, and harmful to the environment. If you need a warm cabin, consider seat heaters or remote start systems—but don’t fall for the outdated myth that your car needs 10 minutes to “wake up.”