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HomeCarsRecommended waiting time before starting to preserve your vehicle's engine

Recommended waiting time before starting to preserve your vehicle's engine

Starting a vehicle has become a mechanical gesture for most drivers. However, taking a few seconds of thought before starting can be crucial for the longevity of the engine. Let's discover together the best practices to adopt to preserve the mechanics of your car.

Key steps to getting started

Before even turning on the ignition, it is important to understand the different positions of the key in the ignition switch. For vehicles equipped with a classic key start, there are generally three positions:

  • The โ€œaccessoriesโ€ position: it activates non-essential electrical systems such as the car radio or air conditioning.
  • The โ€œignitionโ€ position: all the dashboard lights come on and the vehicle performs a self-diagnosis.
  • The โ€œstartโ€ position: the engine starts.
  • It is recommended to pause between the second and third position to allow the vehicle time to perform its internal checks. This step, although brief, can prevent certain mechanical problems.

    The optimal waiting time after startup

    Once the engine is running, the question of how long to wait before hitting the road arises. Contrary to some beliefs, it is not necessary to wait several minutes. A waiting time of about 30 seconds to a minute is generally sufficient for most modern vehicles.

    This short period of time allows the engine to start warming up and the oil to circulate properly throughout all the mechanical parts. This phase is crucial because it ensures optimal lubrication of the moving parts, thus reducing premature wear of the engine.

    Engine Signals to Watch For

    Your vehicle gives you clues about when to start:

  • For gasoline engines, the engine speed (rpm) is usually high at start-up, then drops to a stable level after a few dozen seconds. This is a good indicator that the engine is ready.
  • For diesel engines, the speed variation is less pronounced, but the principle remains the same. Wait for the speed to stabilize before changing gear.
  • The importance of temperature rise

    Even in summer, your vehicle's engine is “cold” when you start it. The optimum operating temperature is only reached after several kilometres of driving. This is why it is recommended to drive smoothly for the first few kilometres, avoiding sudden acceleration and high revs.

    This gradual warm-up period allows:โ€“ Better distribution of the oil in the engineโ€“ Gradual expansion of the mechanical partsโ€“ Reduction of thermal stress on the engine components

    The risks of a rushed start

    Starting the car immediately after switching on the ignition may seem like a no-brainer, but this repeated habit can have long-term consequences:

    โ€“ Premature wear of mechanical parts due to insufficient lubricationโ€“ Increased risk of seizure, particularly on turbo enginesโ€“ Excessive fuel consumption in the first few kilometresโ€“ Higher pollutant emissions on start-up

    Adapt your routine to modern vehicles

    It is important to note that recent vehicles, especially hybrid or electric models, have different starting needs. Their sophisticated electronic systems optimally manage the start-up of the powertrain.

    For these vehicles, follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the user manual. As a general rule, a very short waiting time (a few seconds) is sufficient before driving.

    In conclusion, getting into the habit of waiting a few dozen seconds after starting your vehicle is a simple gesture that can greatly contribute to the longevity of your engine. This practice, coupled with smooth driving in the first few kilometers, will allow you to preserve your mechanics and potentially avoid costly repairs in the long term. Remember that each vehicle is unique: always consult the owner's manual for recommendations specific to your model.