DETROIT — As chilly conditions affect large areas of the country, automotive experts are clearing up a common misconception about winter driving.

According to AAA, a network of motor clubs, drivers should start their vehicles and let them run just long enough to buckle their seat belts. This short duration allows lubricating oil to circulate to critical engine components.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency points out that idling not only leads to unnecessary wear on the engine but also contributes to air pollution and fuel wastage. AAA states that driving normally, while avoiding quick acceleration, heats up the engine more effectively than idling for several minutes.

However, experts do advise that older vehicles and electric cars may require some additional attention before driving in cold weather.

Origins of the car warm-up practice

The practice of warming up cars during winter emerged decades ago, when older cars were more likely to stall in low temperatures, as noted by Carfax.

Before the 1980s, Carfax explains, cars utilized carburetors, which control the air-fuel mixture in the engine. During that era, warming up a car in winter was logical, as it could take several minutes for the proper mixture to reach the engine, preventing stalling or sputtering.

Today, modern vehicles employ electronic fuel injection technology instead of carburetors. This system rapidly provides the correct air-fuel mix, enabling cars to be ready for driving within seconds, even when it’s cold outside.

“Unfortunately, old habits are hard to break, and there is a lot of misinformation,” Carfax remarked. “If you had an older model and later sold it, chances are you passed this habit on.”

The exception for electric vehicles

While most gasoline engines don’t necessitate a warm-up period, many people still prefer to enter a warm car. Conversely, electric vehicle (EV) owners may need to take some preparatory steps before setting off.

According to Car and Driver, EV batteries perform best at around 70 degrees. As temperatures drop, battery efficiency typically diminishes, with some users experiencing a 10% to 20% decrease in range when it’s below freezing.

EV drivers are advised to use their car’s mobile app to precondition the vehicle, warming both the battery and interior to optimal temperatures. The Department of Energy suggests that this is best done while the car is charging to ensure the battery is adequately powered and the cabin is heated for maximum performance.

“If your EV doesn’t have a preconditioning feature, warming it up for a few minutes prior to driving will enhance battery performance,” the DOE advised. “Plus, unlike traditional gas vehicles, running your EV in your garage or on the street doesn’t emit harmful exhaust fumes.”

Contributing: Coral Murphy Marcos, Dalvin Brown, Ben Tobin, and Minnah Arshad,