Modern cars do not require warming up in cold weather because electronic control units manage engine parameters with precision. This view was reiterated in an interview with RIAMO by automobile expert Petr Bakanov. (Source: RIAMO interview with automotive specialist Petr Bakanov.)
According to Bakanov, for contemporary vehicles a pre-start warm-up is largely unnecessary. The old idea came from carburetor-era cars, where engines could stall or run roughly before reaching operating temperature. He explained that the carburetor functions like a tiny heater that mixes fuel with air and then feeds it into the cylinder, which is not how modern fuel-injection systems operate.
He emphasized that a modern car tends to warm up more efficiently while it is being driven. At the same time, it is wise to avoid heavy acceleration immediately after startup; instead, a gentle, gradual drive for the first 2 to 5 kilometers helps the engine reach its optimal temperature without excessive strain.
Before discussing warming up, Bakanov addressed how to handle a frosted windshield washer reservoir. The recommended method is to use boiling water to loosen the ice, allow the container to thaw, then drain the liquid and fill the reservoir with antifreeze solution appropriate for winter conditions. This approach helps prevent fluid from freezing and ensures clear visibility on cold days. (Source: RIAMO interview with automotive expert Petr Bakanov.)
In Moscow, meteorological officials forecast cloudy weather with snow, ice, and temperatures dipping to as low as -7°C. Daytime highs are expected to between -7 and -5°C. The following night, temperatures could fall to -9°C, accompanied by intermittent clouds, snowfall, and possible icing and snowdrifts in certain areas. (Source: Russian Hydrometeorological Center briefing.)
Russians have also discussed strategies to improve a car’s cross-country capability in winter, such as selecting appropriate tires, reducing speed to maintain grip, and planning routes to avoid unplowed or rough sections of road where ice and snow would challenge traction. (Source: RIAMO interview with automotive expert Petr Bakanov.)