How long should I leave my car running before driving it?
I drive a little Fiat 500 and let me tell you, it was not built for these chilly mornings we’ve been having in North Carolina. When it’s cold, how long should I leave my car running before driving it?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We love a good Fiat. When outdoor temperatures are low, you should leave your car running for no longer than a minute before driving it. Letting your car idle for any longer than that just wastes gas.
Let’s dig into that:
Most modern cars are ready to drive within seconds
The best way to warm up your car is by driving it
In addition to wasting gas, idling contributes to pollution and could lead to **engine wear
Just try to avoid revving the engine (if your Fiat has one!) for the first few minutes when driving in chilly temperatures, as this could strain it.
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