That Quick Start Could Be Costing Your Car Thousands
Most drivers assume it’s harmless to start the engine and drive off immediately, but a growing number of mechanics are warning that this everyday habit could be silently wrecking your car. What seems like a simple convenience may actually be shortening your engine’s life and leading to costly repairs.
A mechanic on TikTok, sharing under the handle @tallerredista, explained why patience at the start is key. Engines need a brief warm-up period—just 30 to 40 seconds—so that oil can properly circulate and lubricate all moving parts. “Skipping this step may seem trivial, but over time it can wear down the engine’s components,” he cautioned.
In one striking example, a car owner who habitually drove off immediately after ignition suffered severe damage to the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings. Repairs were extensive, expensive, and entirely avoidable with a few seconds of waiting.
Experts stress that when a car sits for hours, the oil must reach the correct pressure and temperature before the engine is pushed to work. Ignoring this can lead to internal scratches, overheating, or even complete engine seizure. Some repair bills in extreme cases have reportedly reached hundreds of thousands of dollars.
@tallerredista Consejo 25 #CONSEJO #taller #bmw #motor #coches #madrid #mecanico ♬ sonido original – Taller RedISTA
The advice is simple: wait half a minute before driving. That brief pause lets your car’s internal systems stabilize, protecting crucial components and extending the vehicle’s lifespan. In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook, but these seconds can save thousands in the long run.
Conclusion
A small habit—starting and moving immediately—may seem harmless, but it quietly puts your engine at risk. By giving your car 30 to 40 seconds to warm up, you ensure proper lubrication, reduce wear, and avoid potentially massive repair bills. When it comes to engine care, patience truly pays off.