18:06 10-11-2025

Why hybrid cars don't need to warm up: cold-start tips

Not long ago every driver heard the maxim about letting the engine warm up—but for today’s hybrids, that advice no longer applies. Expert Dmitry Novikov told Tarantas News that these cars don’t need a warm-up before setting off. Modern engines and lubricants establish proper oil flow within seconds of startup, while idling only dents fuel efficiency and saps the battery.

The only time it makes sense to give the car a moment is in extreme cold. Low temperatures reduce battery capacity, so modern hybrids come with battery heating and thermal-flow management. Right after you start the car, these systems bring the pack up to its optimal temperature. A brief pause to let the hardware stabilize is reasonable, but lingering on idle isn’t.

Specialists advise preheating the cabin in winter while the car is plugged in—this saves energy and extends range. It’s also more efficient to rely on heated seats and the steering wheel rather than the full climate circuit. In plug-in hybrids, the thermal loop can warm not only the cabin but also the battery before a trip, improving overall efficiency.

Ultimately, hybrids show that “warming up” is a thing of the past. Keep an eye on the state of charge and avoid loading the system hard right after a cold start; beyond that, just buckle up and go. In day-to-day driving, that simple routine proves more helpful than any long idle at the curb.