Most modern cars only need around 30 seconds to 1 minute of idling before you start driving, even in winter, as long as you drive gently at first.

Quick Scoop: The short answer

  • For most fuel‑injected cars (late 1980s and newer):
    • Let it idle about 30–60 seconds, then drive off gently (low RPM, no hard acceleration) for the first few minutes.
  • In very cold weather:
    • You can let it idle a few minutes (up to about 5) mainly for your comfort and to defrost windows, but the engine still warms fastest while driving.
  • Older, carbureted cars:
    • They may benefit from 2–3 minutes of warm‑up before driving.

Think of it this way: the goal is not a long “sit and idle,” but a brief start, then easy driving until the car comes up to normal temperature.

Why you don’t need long warm‑ups

Modern engines are computer‑controlled and adjust fuel and air automatically, even in cold weather, so they don’t need long idling to “run right.” Oil also starts circulating within seconds, so a short idle is enough to get lubrication going before you put the engine under light load.

  • Long idling:
    • Wastes fuel and money.
* Can cause extra emissions and carbon buildup over time.
  • Gentle driving:
    • Warms the engine, oil, transmission, and differential faster than just sitting.

An everyday example: start the car, brush snow off, buckle up, maybe clear the glass; by the time you’re ready, that 30–60 seconds has passed and it’s fine to roll out slowly.

Different situations: what to do

1. Modern daily driver (most people)

  • Cold or cool weather:
    1. Start the engine.
    2. Wait about 30–60 seconds.
    3. Drive away, keeping RPMs and throttle light for 10–15 minutes.

2. Very cold or icy mornings

  • If it’s really cold or the car is iced over:
    • Idle a few minutes (up to ~5) so the heater and defroster work, and make sure all windows are fully clear for visibility.
* Then drive gently; don’t rev high until the engine and oil have warmed up.

3. Older or carbureted cars

  • These can stumble or stall when cold, so:
    • Let them idle around 2–3 minutes, then drive gently until fully warmed up.

What forums and drivers say

Car forums and enthusiast communities often describe a similar routine: a short idle (30 seconds to 1–2 minutes), then “grandma driving” for the first few miles, avoiding high RPM until the temperature gauge is up and the car feels fully warm.

You’ll also see plenty of people who idle longer just for cabin comfort or habit, but even they usually agree the engine itself doesn’t need 10–20 minutes of idling to be safe.

TL;DR

  • Most modern cars: 30–60 seconds, then easy driving.
  • Older carbureted cars: about 2–3 minutes, then easy driving.
  • Super cold / icy: up to ~5 minutes for defrost and comfort, but driving is still the fastest warm‑up.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.