The question of the need for periodic start of the engine of the car, left for a long parking lot, has been a fierce debate among motorists for decades.
This topic becomes especially relevant with the onset of winter cold weather, when the thermometer drops below -15 ° C, and the car can stand motionless for a week or even more.
There is a common belief that heat-up at idle speeds once every few days will save the battery from discharge, and the oil will not thicken.
However, many modern mechanics and engineers argue the opposite: such actions can do more harm than good.
In this article, we will examine the physical and chemical processes that occur in the car’s units during parking and determine when to start and when to leave the car alone.
Physics and chemistry of processes during parking
To make the right decision, you need to understand what is going on inside. combustion engine and related systems when the vehicle is not in use.
The main enemy here is not cold in itself, but condensation.
When the hot engine cools, the air inside it is compressed, and a moist atmosphere is sucked through the sapons.
Moisture settles on the cold metal walls of cylinders and crankcase, mixing with engine oil.
If you start the car for only 5-10 minutes to "warm up", the engine does not have time to reach the operating temperature at which water evaporates from the oil.
As a result, an emulsion accumulates in the crankcase - a mixture of water, fuel and oil, which drastically reduces the lubricating properties of the liquid.
In addition, when working on single turns fuel-air mixture Often enriched, and unburned gasoline flows down the walls of the cylinders into the crankcase, liquefying the oil even more.
⚠️ Warning: Short-term engine start in severe frost without a subsequent trip can lead to freezing of condensate in the exhaust system, which will create a dangerous traffic jam and increase the pressure on the exhaust valves.
The battery is also subject to self-discharge, the speed of which depends on the ambient temperature and the age of the battery itself.
Modern cars with many electronic control units consume current even when switched off.
Effect of cold on units and aggregates
Low temperatures affect different materials and liquids used in the construction of the car in different ways.
Rubber products, such as oil oils, gaskets and hoses, blister in the cold and lose elasticity.
The sharp heating when starting a cold engine creates a thermal shock, which can accelerate their wear or lead to microcracks.
Metal parts at extremely low temperatures change their geometric dimensions due to thermal expansion and compression.
Although modern alloys are designed for a wide range of temperatures, frequent cycles "heat-cooling" without access to a full-fledged operating mode create unnecessary stresses in the design.
Especially concerning. piston-group and the cylinder heads.
The braking system also requires attention: if the car is on the hand brake, the pads can freeze to the discs or drums.
Moisture that gets on the brake mechanisms crystallizes, blocking the wheels.
Therefore, when setting for a long parking in the garage or in the parking lot, it is recommended to use recoil stops instead of a handheld.
Arguments against frequent engine start
Many car experts agree that starting an engine for the sake of starting is the worst thing you can do for the life of the engine.
The main reason lies in the mode of operation. lubrication It's cold.
At temperatures below -20°C, the oil becomes thick and the pump takes time to pump it through all channels.
In the first seconds of operation, the engine experiences oil starvation, and short-term warming does not solve this problem, but only aggravates wear.
- 🛑 Nagarogenic: Work at idle speeds contributes to the active formation of soot on spark plugs, valves and pistons due to incomplete combustion of fuel.
- 💧 Moisture accumulation: As mentioned earlier, short work does not allow the condensate to evaporate, which leads to corrosion of the internal cavities of the muffler and resonator.
- 🔋 AKB grade: The starter consumes a huge current. If you start the car, let it work for 5 minutes and drowned out, the starter took more energy from the battery than the generator managed to return during this time.
Environmental aspects and resource consumption should also be taken into account.
Idle is the burning of fuel in vain, increased emissions of harmful substances and wear of attachments.
The generator belt, pump and air conditioner compressor work even on singles, consuming their resource.
When to start the car is still necessary
Despite the above, there are situations when starting the engine with prolonged downtime is justified and even necessary.
This is especially true of extremely low temperatures when the thermometer drops below -30°C or -35°C.
In such conditions, some types of oils and technical fluids can lose fluidity, and the battery pack risks freezing if it is not fully charged.
If you want to start a car, you need to do it right.
It is necessary to give the engine to work for at least 15-20 minutes so that it warms up, and the exhaust system is heated enough to evaporate moisture.
The ideal option is not just parking with a working engine, but a short trip around the block.
Why is a trip better than a parking lot?
When driving under load, the engine reaches operating temperature faster, oil circulates better, and the transmission and wheel hubs warm up, preventing jamming. At idle speeds, many nodes remain cold.
Another important aspect is the state of fuel-system.
In gasoline engines, with prolonged simple gasoline, it can evaporate from the carburetor (on old cars) or oxidize.
Diesel engines are more sensitive to temperature: parafinization of fuel can begin as early as -5°C if unseasonably fuel is used.
Starting and operation of the engine allow the fuel to be pumped through the system, preventing the formation of paraffin crystals in the filters.
Table: Comparison of downtime and start-up effects
For clarity, we give a comparative table showing the influence of various factors on the car under different scenarios of the owner's behavior.
| Impact factor | Long-term downtime without starting | Short-term launch (5-10 minutes) | Prolonged warm-up or trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor oil | Dumps into the crankcase, possible condensation of moisture | It is liquefied with fuel, does not have time to warm up. | It warms up, moisture evaporates. |
| Battery. | Natural self-discharge | Deep discharge starter without compensation | Charging from the generator |
| Exhaust system | Risk of corrosion from condensation | Active moisture accumulation and freezing | Burning moisture, drying |
| Piston group | Stable condition | Accelerated wear to cold | Normal working arrangements |
From the table, it can be seen that a short-term launch is often a compromise and the least profitable option.
It combines the downtime and downtime of the engine in suboptimal mode.
Therefore, if you are not planning a trip, it is best to leave the car alone, taking care of proper preservation.
Short-term start "so that it does not cool down" harms the engine more than complete rest, due to the accumulation of condensation and undercharge of the battery.
Rules for car preservation for the winter
If you plan to leave your car in the parking lot for more than two weeks, especially in winter, you need to carry out a number of preparatory activities.
This will help avoid problems with the launch in the spring and will preserve the technical condition of the machine.
First of all, you should check the level and density of the electrolyte in the battery.
If the car is old or the battery is not new, it is better to remove the terminals or completely remove the battery and take it to a warm room.
Modern machines with complex electronics may incorrectly react to a complete power outage, so it is enough for them to remove the negative terminal.
It is also recommended to treat door seals with silicone lubrication so that the doors do not freeze.
☑️ Preparation of the car for a long parking
The fuel tank is best kept full to minimize condensation on its walls.
In diesel cars, you should add an antigel if the temperature drops below zero.
Parking also plays a role: under a canopy or in a garage, the car will endure the winter better than in an open area under the snow and sun.
Ultraviolet destroys plastic and rubber elements, and temperature changes provoke corrosion.
Recommendations for the first launch after downtime
When it comes time to bring the car back to life, it’s important to act carefully.
Do not immediately turn the starter if the car stood for several months in the cold.
First, install the battery in place, check the level of liquids visually.
Try turning on the ignition, let the fuel pump pump pump pump pressure into the ramp.
For diesel engines, it makes sense to turn on (candles of incandescent) several times to warm up the combustion chamber.
The first run can be heavy, so don’t keep the starter on for longer than 10 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: If after a long parking at start-up the oil pressure lamp lights up and does not go out for more than 5-7 seconds, immediately turn off the engine to avoid turning the liners.
After successful start-up, let the engine work at idle speeds for 2-3 minutes.
Then start moving in a gentle mode, without sharp accelerations and high revs, until the engine is fully warmed up.
This will allow the oil to spread to all nodes and reach working viscosity.
After a long parking, the first 10-15 km of the way, try not to exceed 2000-2500 revolutions per minute to give the grease to completely cover all rubbing surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should you start your car in the winter if it is not in use?
Modern cars with a serviceable battery and high-quality oil do not require periodic start-up. If you decide to start, then you need to do it no more than once every 10-14 days and be sure to let warm up to the working temperature or making a trip.
Will the battery go to zero if you don’t start the car for a month?
A proper modern battery at temperatures up to -20°C can hold a charge for 1-2 months. However, at lower temperatures or if the battery is old, discharge can occur faster. The removal of the terminal significantly slows down this process.
Do I need to heat up the injection engine before the trip?
Modern injection engines do not require long heating on the spot. It takes 1-2 minutes to stabilize the turns, after which you can start a smooth movement. Prolonged warming up on the spot only wastes resources and fuel.
What happens if you don’t change the oil after winter?
If condensate has accumulated in the oil due to incorrect short warming up, it must be replaced. The water in the oil causes corrosion of the liners and necks of the crankshaft, and also destroys additives, which can lead to major repairs of the engine.
Can I leave my car on the brakes in winter?
Leaving the car on the hand brake during a long parking in winter is not recommended. Brake pads can freeze to disks or drums. It is better to use recoil stops under the wheels.