Industry experts from Za Rulem, a historic automotive publication, have long advised warming up a car engine slightly before driving. The goal is to balance the temperature of internal parts and reduce friction as the engine comes up to operating heat.
Yet this advice is only one piece of a broader set of practices that help extend an engine’s life. In a conversation with the team at Behind the Wheel, two seasoned mechanics, Alexei Revin and Mikhail Kolodochkin, shared another key insight on preventing premature engine wear.
After a drive, there is no need to shut the engine off immediately. Allow it to idle for about a minute. This is true for engines with or without turbochargers. Car manufacturers rarely spell out this specific recommendation in owner manuals, arguing that modern engines are sophisticated and can handle quick shutoffs. Still, many drivers are wary of lingering near a running car at the curb or in a driveway. The question remains: what is the practical benefit of that extra minute of idle time?
So here is what happens when the engine is left to idle briefly after a trip. The fresh, hot oil that coats the piston grooves can begin to burn if the engine is shut off abruptly, producing soot and leading to the formation of coke in critical oil paths. Over time, this coke buildup can impair seal contacts and performance. In turbocharged engines, another risk appears: a hot turbine rotor that continues to spin without an adequate oil supply to its bearings. This scenario can accelerate wear and shorten the turbine’s service life.
Giving the engine a short cooldown period helps the oil circulate and cool the pistons to a safer temperature, reducing the chance of oil burning in the gaps. The oil not only lowers the temperature but also cushions moving parts as they transition from peak heat to steady operation. The turbine, too, benefits from a brief pause, allowing lubrication to reach its bearings before the engine is switched off. This small practice can meaningfully delay the need for major repairs and keep engine components operating smoothly for longer.
For readers curious about broader steps to maximize engine and transmission longevity, the article by Alexei Revin and Mikhail Kolodochkin, Engine and Gearbox Last Longer! 8 Simple Tips, offers a practical framework that complements the brief idle technique described here.
Image credit: Damir Kopezhanov Unsplash