I've been reading the owner's manual and it says that the car shouldn't be left to idle for over 3 minutes. I live in the NE and always thought that a car should be warmed up (at least until the needle starts moving) before driving, but this always takes longer than 3 minutes.

Can someone clarify whether it's better to drive the car cold or idle for as long as it takes to warm it up?

Thanks,

Lyn

 

A car engine warms up quicker by driving it instead of letting it idle. However, it's not good in the winter to just turn the key and go. What you should do is start the engine, allow it to idle for about a minute at most and then drive it easily until the temp needle starts moving.

 

Thanks for the advice. No question is to basic for me