In frigid temperatures, it’s a common practice for many drivers to let their cars warm up for a few minutes before hitting the road. Some vehicles even have a preset feature that lets drivers start their cars remotely.
“If you’re one of the many drivers who thinks it’s important to turn on your car and let it sit for a bit before hitting the road in wintry weather, you could be doing your engine more harm than good,” Firestone says.
In a blog post on its website, Smart Motors Toyota says letting your car idle in cold temperatures can shorten the life of your engine by stripping away oil from the engine’s pistons and cylinders — two critical components that help your engine run.
