Posted on 12/20/2024
When frost coats the windshield, and the air feels like ice, it’s tempting to let your car idle while you warm up inside. For decades, this practice has been a winter ritual for many. But does it truly benefit your vehicle, or are you just burning fuel and time? Modern cars have evolved, and so has our understanding of what’s necessary to prepare them for cold weather. Let’s clear whether idling is a winter must or an outdated habit. The History of Idling The tradition of idling started when cars used carburetors, which required time to heat up and deliver the right air-fuel mixture for combustion. Without adequate warming, these older engines would stall, sputter, and fail to run efficiently. For vehicles built before the 1980s, idling was not just practical—it was essential. Fast forward to today, and the story is very different. Most modern vehicles are equipped with fuel injection systems that adapt to temperature changes instantly. These ... read more