It’s something nearly every driver does without a second thought — turn the key, hear the engine roar to life, and drive off.
But according to auto experts, this seemingly harmless habit might be quietly damaging your car from the inside out. What makes it so dangerous is that the damage doesn’t appear immediately. By the time symptoms show up, your engine could already be facing serious, costly problems.
For decades, drivers have been conditioned to think that modern cars are ready to go the instant the key is turned. Most assume that engines and oil technology are so advanced that there’s no need to wait. But mechanics insist this common action can wear down your engine faster than you think — causing scratches, overheating, or even total engine failure over time.
One mechanic who recently went viral on TikTok, known as @tallerredista, made waves by warning about this overlooked mistake. In his video, he advises letting your engine idle for 30 to 40 seconds before driving off, especially after long periods of inactivity.
Why is this so important? When a car sits unused for several hours, the engine oil drains from the moving parts and settles at the bottom of the oil pan. When you start the engine, it takes a few moments for the oil pump to circulate the oil through the engine and coat all the crucial components — pistons, crankshaft bearings, camshafts, and more. Driving away immediately means these components are operating without proper lubrication, essentially grinding metal against metal. Over time, this can lead to major wear, overheating, or even catastrophic engine failure.
In his demonstration, @tallerredista shared the story of a driver who habitually started his car and drove off within seconds. Over the years, this behavior slowly damaged the connecting rods and crankshaft bearings. By the time the engine started showing signs of failure — strange knocking sounds, reduced power, and excessive heat — the repair bill had skyrocketed to an astonishing $2,500,000. All it would have taken to avoid this was less than a minute of patience each morning.
Experts say this is particularly crucial in colder climates. Cold temperatures make engine oil thicker and slower to circulate, meaning the first few seconds after ignition are the most critical. Even in moderate temperatures, a short wait allows the oil to reach optimal pressure and ensures every moving part is properly lubricated.
Mechanics emphasize that good car care isn’t just about occasional oil changes or major maintenance — it’s about small daily habits. Here are a few simple steps every driver can take to protect their engine:
Wait 30–60 seconds before driving off after starting your engine, especially if the car has been sitting overnight.
Avoid revving the engine immediately, as this increases friction before the oil is fully circulating.
Check your oil regularly and top it up as needed — low oil levels accelerate wear on engine components.
Listen for unusual sounds when starting your car. Knocking or ticking noises can indicate that oil isn’t reaching parts as quickly as it should.
In a world where everyone is rushing, it’s easy to ignore these small details. But a few seconds of patience can save thousands of dollars in repairs and extend the lifespan of your engine by years.
💡 Conclusion
Your car doesn’t ask for much — just a little time and attention before you hit the road. Waiting 30 to 40 seconds after starting your engine might feel insignificant, but that short pause allows the oil to do its vital work. In the end, patience isn’t just a virtue — it’s one of the smartest ways to keep your car running smoothly, mile after mile, year after year.