The short answer is: Not very long.
How Long Should You Let Your Car Warm Up?
Warm-up time
Modern vehicles—those built in the last three decades—generally require less than a minute of warm-up time, and only in the coldest conditions do they need more than two minutes.
These short warm-up times are recommended consistently by carmakers and engine-oil manufacturers alike.
Why so little time…
Modern fuel-injected engines filled with advanced lubricants (synthetic oil) generally achieve full oil circulation within 20 seconds of starting. Subsequent idling serves no purpose in terms of engine preservation, and can, in fact, cause additional wear, as it delays the motor from achieving optimal operating temperatures which are reached most quickly by driving.
Buckle up
In cool to normal weather, the time it takes to buckle up is enough time for oil to get where it needs to go in a cold engine. In cold weather a minute of warm-up time should suffice. Allow up to two minutes in temperatures much below freezing.
Don’t push it
To ensure long engine life, avoid revving the engine excessively for the first 5-10 minutes of operation. Treating an engine gently immediately after starting can reduce stress on critical parts while the motor warms up.
CG says:
After starting your car or truck, wait a moment or two for oil to circulate throughout the engine, and then drive gently for a short period of time. Careful treatment of your car’s engine can lead to lower maintenance costs and improved long-term reliability.
And, of course, following the carmaker’s recommended schedule for oil changes and regular service will lengthen engine life additionally.
Note that this warm-up time discussion applies to gasoline- and diesel engines alike. Electric vehicles, no the other hand, require no warm-up time.
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How Long Should You Let Your Car Warm Up?
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