Save your car in 30 seconds—avoid this widespread mistake that millions are unknowingly making!

As we age, we often become more attuned to the importance of taking care of the things that serve us well, be it our health, our homes, or, indeed, our cars. For many of us, our vehicles are a lifeline to the outside world, a means of maintaining our independence, and a way to visit friends, family, and all the places we love. That's why it's crucial to heed the advice of experts when it comes to vehicle maintenance, even when it concerns the simplest of actions.

Recently, a group of mechanics from Genuine Automotive in Austin, Texas, shared a golden nugget of wisdom that has since gone viral, amassing over 2.9 million views. Their advice? Always take a brief moment to warm up your car before driving off. It's a common oversight but one that could have significant implications for the health of your vehicle.


The mechanics explained that allowing your car to warm up for just 30 seconds lets the fluids circulate properly. This seemingly small step is particularly important for the oil, which needs to reach the right temperature to effectively lubricate the engine. The advice is especially pertinent for those with turbocharged engines, where proper lubrication is even more critical for the turbo's performance and longevity.


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Drivers are advised by mechanics to warm up their cars for 30 seconds to ensure proper oil circulation. Credit: @genuineautomotiveatx / TikTok


The video, which spread like wildfire across social media, featured the mechanics, each affirming the importance of this practice. One mechanic, Keith, emphasized that warming up the car allows the fluids to warm up and circulate. Another added that he personally adheres to this rule, letting the car warm up for at least 30 seconds to get the oil flowing through the engine.


The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the tip. Comments ranged from people confirming they follow this practice to others thanking the mechanics for the informative video. It's clear that this simple act of car care resonated with many.

Even the US Department of Energy suggests a 30-second warm-up period for cars. This is not only beneficial for the vehicle's mechanical health but also for fuel efficiency. Cold engines run less efficiently, so a brief warm-up can actually save fuel in the long run.

For those of us who remember the days when cars needed a good few minutes to warm up on cold mornings, this modern advice might seem counterintuitive. However, with advancements in automotive technology, a lengthy idle time is no longer necessary and can actually be wasteful. Today's vehicles are designed to get moving sooner, but that initial half-minute is still crucial.

Key Takeaways
  • Mechanics have highlighted an often overlooked but essential step of warming up your car for at least 30 seconds before driving to ensure oil circulates properly.
  • The advice from car experts at Genuine Automotive in Austin, Texas became popular from a viral TikTok video, educating drivers on vehicle maintenance.
  • Warming up the car allows for smoother journeys and can help extend the lifespan of the engine, especially in cars equipped with a turbo.
  • The recommendation to let the car warm up is supported by AET Turbos and the US Department of Energy, emphasizing the importance of lubrication before moderate acceleration.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, next time you're ready to head out, remember to give your car that extra 30 seconds. It's a simple habit that can extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring it remains reliable for all your adventures and errands. And while we're on the topic of car care, why not share your own vehicle maintenance tips in the comments below? Let's help each other keep our cars running smoothly for years to come!
 
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I make it my habit to wait for the garage door to close (you never know who is lurking). The seatbelts and safe driving settings take a bit, then, slowly, off I go.
Not sure if hybrids need this, but, I have done things this way since first getting my licence.
 
It seems I've been doing this practice since I was Knee high to a grasshopper. Really, "Old Hat News" to say the least.
 
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Full electrics are so quick to warm up - especially the heater
 
Another thing. Even if you only do low km still get your car serviced regularly. At one stage ours was hardly used. It took Mum nearly 2 years to reach near the km a car is normally serviced. The mechanic had to run the motor for a lot longer than they normally do. The oil was still thick in the bottom of the sump when the drain "plug" was removed.
 

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