Should You Warm Up Your Car in Virginia’s Cold Mornings?

Published On: August 5, 2025

On chilly Virginia mornings, it’s tempting to let your car idle and warm up while you sip coffee indoors. We’ve all done it. But is this habit actually helping—or could it be hurting your vehicle? The truth might surprise you. Let’s break down the facts about warming up your car in Virginia’s winter weather.

Mythbusting

First things first—modern engines aren’t like the ones from the 70s and 80s. Back then, carburetors needed time to warm up for smoother performance. Today’s cars? They’re fuel-injected and managed by computers that adjust automatically to the cold.

So unless you’re driving a vintage car, warming it up for 10–15 minutes isn’t necessary. In fact, it might be doing more harm than good.

Damage

Letting your engine idle in cold weather can actually strip oil from crucial parts. Why? Because your engine runs rich when cold—it uses more fuel to compensate. That extra fuel can wash oil off the cylinder walls, leading to wear over time. Not exactly the cozy warm-up you imagined, right?

Plus, too much idling can clog your catalytic converter and lead to carbon buildup. In short: more time idling means more wear, not less.

Safety

Now, let’s talk safety. Yes, a warm car feels great, but there’s also the issue of visibility. Defrosting your windshield and warming the cabin helps melt frost and fog that could block your view.

The trick? You don’t need to idle the car for 15 minutes to defrost it. Just 30 seconds to a minute of warm-up, then drive off gently. Your car warms up faster while driving anyway.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Warm-Up Method	Engine Health	Cabin Heat	Fuel Usage	Efficiency
15-minute idle	Worsens wear	High	High	Low
30-sec idle + drive	Safe	Medium	Low	High

Law

In Virginia, it’s also worth noting that warming up your car unattended can be illegal. Yep, it’s called the “anti-idling” or “unattended motor vehicle” law. Leaving your car running while you’re not in it could result in a ticket—not to mention making it a target for theft.

So if you’re going to let it warm up, at least stay with your vehicle. Better yet, just start it, clear your windshield, and hit the road.

Alternatives

Want to avoid the cold without harming your engine or breaking the law? Consider a remote starter with a timer, or park in a garage if you can. Windshield covers and block heaters also help reduce the need for long warm-ups.

And when you do drive off, take it easy for the first few minutes. That’s when your engine—and your car—are still getting into the groove.

So, should you warm up your car on cold Virginia mornings? Sure, for about 30 seconds. But more than that? It’s just burning fuel, not helping your engine. The best warm-up is a gentle drive.