How to Warm Up Modern Engines Properly – and Is It Still Necessary?

Just 20 years ago, idling to warm up was a mandatory ritual. Today, carmakers like Mercedes, BMW and Toyota clearly state in their manuals: «No warm-up needed — start driving right away». Myth or reality? Let’s find out based on data from 2024–2025. You can also upgrade your car and improve its functionality by using tuning accessories, available in a wide selection in our online store. 

Why older engines required warming up

In carbureted and early fuel-injected engines:

• The oil was mineral-based and thickened even at +10 °C;
• Piston clearances were larger;
• The ECU (engine control unit) couldn’t accurately meter the mixture when cold.

The result — increased wear under load «when cold».

What has changed in modern engines

Engines produced after 2015–2020 are fundamentally different:

• Synthetic oils 0W-16, 0W-20 remain fluid down to –40 °C;
• Precise tolerances (0.02–0.03 mm) and DLC coatings on piston skirts;
• Electronic thermostats and adaptive variable valve timing control;
• Turbos with liquid-cooled bearings.

A 2023 SAE study showed: ring and bearing wear when driving at 20 °C differs from idling warm-up by less than 3%.

Manufacturers’ and experts’ recommendations for 2025

• 0–30 seconds of idling — enough to build oil pressure;
• Drive smoothly for the first 5–10 minutes, keeping revs up to 3000–3500 rpm;
• Don’t rev hard or apply full load immediately;
• Turbo engines: after spirited driving, let the engine idle for 30–60 seconds before shutting down.

When warming up is still necessary

• Temperatures below –25…–30 °C (oil still thickens);
• Older cars built before 2005–2010;
• Diesels with a particulate filter in severe frost (to allow regeneration).

A modern engine warms up 2–3 times faster while driving than when idling and consumes less fuel. Long idling warm-ups — that’s yesterday’s practice.