Car care · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
Should You Warm Up Your Car in Winter?
On a cold Elgin morning it is tempting to let the engine run for a while before you leave. Here is what fueleconomy.gov and the U.S. Department of Energy say about warming up, idling and winter gas mileage.
About 30 secondsthen drive off gently
0 mpgwhile idling
1/4 to 1/2 gallonof fuel per hour of idling
About 10 secondsof fuel to restart
The short answer
Not for long. Fueleconomy.gov says most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. The engine warms up faster being driven, so the heat comes on sooner, your fuel costs go down and emissions are reduced. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon and can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle.
How long should you warm up your car?
Fueleconomy.gov says to minimize idling to warm up your car: most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. The engine warms up faster when it is being driven, which lets the heater work sooner, lowers your fuel costs and reduces emissions.
The Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) says the main idle reduction step for personal vehicles is to turn the engine off when parked or stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), and suggests avoiding a remote starter, because it encourages unnecessary idling.
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov) and Light-Duty Vehicle Idle Reduction Strategies (Alternative Fuels Data Center), read November 9, 2026.
What idling costs you
Figures from fueleconomy.gov and the AFDC:
| Fact | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Fuel used while idling | A quarter to a half gallon per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use (fueleconomy.gov) |
| Gas mileage while idling | Zero: warming up your vehicle before a trip lowers your fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov) |
| Fuel to restart | Only about 10 seconds worth (fueleconomy.gov) |
| When a shutdown saves money | Any shutdown longer than 1 minute, if you stay at or under about 10 engine starts a day (fueleconomy.gov) |
| Other effects of idling | Wastes fuel and increases engine wear (AFDC) |
| Nationwide | More than 6 billion gallons of fuel a year are used by U.S. vehicles without moving; roughly half by people idling passenger vehicles (AFDC) |
From Driving More Efficiently (fueleconomy.gov), Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), Idle Reduction (Alternative Fuels Data Center) and Light-Duty Vehicle Idle Reduction Strategies (Alternative Fuels Data Center), read November 9, 2026.
Why gas mileage drops in winter
Fueleconomy.gov says a conventional gasoline car's city gas mileage is roughly 15% lower at 20 degrees F than at 77 degrees F, and can drop as much as 24% on short trips of 3 to 4 miles. Hybrids are typically affected more, about 30% to 34% under the same conditions. Reasons include:
- Cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids increase friction.
- The engine takes longer to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature, which hurts short trips most.
- Heated seats, window defrosters and heater fans use extra power.
- Warming up the car before you leave: idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
- Colder, denser air increases aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.
- Tire pressure drops in the cold, increasing rolling resistance.
- Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
- Battery performance decreases in cold weather.
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 9, 2026.
Cold-weather tips that help
Fueleconomy.gov suggests these steps to help your gas mileage in cold weather:
- Park in a warmer place, such as a garage, so the engine and cabin start warmer.
- Combine trips so you drive less often with a cold engine.
- Keep warm-up idling short and drive off gently after about 30 seconds.
- Do not use seat warmers or defrosters more than necessary.
- Check your tire pressure regularly. See how to check tire pressure.
- Use the type of oil your manufacturer recommends for cold weather driving.
- Remove roof racks and other accessories that add wind resistance when not in use.
From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 9, 2026. For a full winter checklist, see how to winterize your car.
Service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
Need maintenance or repairs? Schedule service or see our service specials.
Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.
Warming up your car FAQ
How long should I let my car warm up in winter?
Fueleconomy.gov says most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. The engine warms up faster while driving. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle.
Is it bad to idle my car to warm it up?
It wastes fuel: idling gets 0 miles per gallon and can use a quarter to a half gallon per hour. The Alternative Fuels Data Center adds that idling increases engine wear.
Does idling use more gas than restarting?
Fueleconomy.gov says restarting takes only about 10 seconds worth of fuel, and any shutdown longer than 1 minute saves money if you stay at or under about 10 engine starts a day.
Should I use a remote starter?
The Alternative Fuels Data Center suggests avoiding a remote starter because it encourages unnecessary idling.
Why is my gas mileage worse in winter?
Cold oil and fluids, a longer warm-up, heater and defroster use, denser air, lower tire pressure and winter-blend gasoline all play a part. City mileage can be roughly 15% lower at 20 degrees F than at 77 degrees F.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Get your car ready for winter
Visit us at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.
Sources
Warm-up, idling and cold-weather fuel economy information is from fueleconomy.gov, the U.S. government fuel economy site administered for the Department of Energy and the EPA, and from the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 9, 2026. This is general information; your owner's manual is the authority for your vehicle. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is of our dealership.
- Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 9, 2026
- Driving More Efficiently (fueleconomy.gov), U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 9, 2026
- Idle Reduction (Alternative Fuels Data Center), U.S. Department of Energy, read November 9, 2026
- Light-Duty Vehicle Idle Reduction Strategies (Alternative Fuels Data Center), U.S. Department of Energy, read November 9, 2026
- Home page: address, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center, read November 9, 2026
- Service page: service hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center, read November 9, 2026