Warming Up Car in Idle State

120

Asked by Erfanul Mar 23, 2016 at 03:53 PM about the 2004 Honda Accord LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car is a 2004 Honda Accord LX at 110K miles. I have often heard from others that after turning on the ignition, it is a good practice to warm up the car engine in idle state before starting to drive it. They advice to do this at the beginning of each day regardless of considering the outside temperature issue. Meanwhile, I have heard the other side of the story as well like this warming up in idle condition actually harms the engine. What is the real fact? Even if it is good for the engine, for how long should I warm up the car in idle state before starting to drive it?

1 Answer

13,285

Back in the teens, 20's 30's and up to the late 80's that was considered the best practice but it does NOT apply to the newer vehicles with the advances made in technology. Just start & go, just don't drive it so hard until it warms up a bit after starting off.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    JP1956
    Reputation
    6,980
  • #2
    Fredbrillo
    Reputation
    5,410
  • #3
    Jonathan Ford
    Reputation
    3,910
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
60 Great Deals out of 1,072 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Civic
195 Great Deals out of 4,054 listings starting at $440
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,524 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Corolla
151 Great Deals out of 2,438 listings starting at $4,295
Used Honda Accord Hybrid
8 Great Deals out of 338 listings starting at $11,500
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 760 listings starting at $1,999
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 316 listings starting at $6,500
Used Honda Accord Coupe
4 Great Deals out of 59 listings starting at $5,900
Used BMW 3 Series
65 Great Deals out of 1,229 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Maxima
7 Great Deals out of 166 listings starting at $4,378
Used Ford Mustang
58 Great Deals out of 1,366 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,715 listings starting at $2,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.