Profile photo for Garrick Saito

When I first learned to drive, I was taught the same thing (we're probably in the same generation).

In older cars, carbureted engines absolutely need a warm-up, because they are designed with a constant air-fuel ratio. If the engine was not warm enough, older engines would tend to stall.

The vast majority of new cars use a fuel injection system. They don't have that problem, as on board computers are able to change the settings to the required ratio, based on ambient air temperature.

Idling a car is probably the least effective way to warm it up. It only serves to waste gasoline.

View 8 other answers to this question
About · Careers · Privacy · Terms · Contact · Languages · Your Ad Choices · Press ·
© Quora, Inc. 2025