The Top Mistake Drivers Make When Starting Their Car — And How It Could Seriously Damage the Engine, According to a Mechanic
Most drivers perform the same routine every morning: get in the car, insert the key or press the start button, and hit the road. But according to seasoned mechanics, there’s one incredibly common mistake many motorists make in those first few seconds — and over time, it can cause serious (and expensive) damage.
The good news? It’s easy to fix once you know what to avoid.
The Mistake: Revving the Engine Immediately After Starting the Car
Whether out of habit, impatience, or the belief that “warming the engine” means giving it a few aggressive revs, many drivers hit the gas pedal immediately after starting their vehicle.
Mechanics say this is one of the worst things you can do to a cold engine.
Here’s why.
Why Revving a Cold Engine Is So Harmful
When a car has been sitting, all the oil — which protects internal engine parts from friction — settles at the bottom of the engine. After you start the car, it takes a few seconds for the oil pump to circulate the lubricant throughout the system.
If you start revving the engine right away, you’re forcing metal components to spin faster before they’re properly lubricated. This can lead to:
1. Premature Engine Wear
Critical components like pistons, bearings, and cylinder walls experience extra friction when oil hasn’t fully circulated. Over time, this accelerates wear.
2. Increased Risk of Engine Damage
In extreme cases, especially in cold weather, aggressive revving can cause scoring, overheating, or even bearing failure.
3. Stress on Turbocharged Engines
If your car has a turbocharger, the risks are even higher. Turbos spin at extremely high speeds and need proper oil flow before being pushed hard.
4. Reduced Engine Lifespan
Consistently revving a cold engine may not cause immediate failure, but it can significantly shorten the life of key components — leading to costly repairs down the line.
What Mechanics Recommend Instead
You don’t need to let modern engines idle for long periods, but you should give your car a moment to prepare itself before driving.
✔ Wait 10–30 seconds after starting the engine
This gives the oil time to circulate through the engine.
✔ Drive gently for the first few minutes
Avoid rapid acceleration until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
✔ In very cold weather, give it a little extra time
Cold oil flows more slowly. A short 30–60 second warmup helps reduce strain.
✔ Avoid idling excessively
Idling too long wastes fuel — gentle driving warms the engine more efficiently.
Why This Mistake Is So Common
Many drivers grew up hearing outdated advice: “rev it to warm it up.” While that may have made sense with older carbureted engines, today’s engines and lubricants are far more advanced — and far more sensitive to unnecessary stress.
Mechanics say that even seasoned drivers often don’t realize this simple habit is harming their vehicle every day.
The Bottom Line
The single biggest mistake drivers make when starting their car is revving the engine before the oil has had time to circulate. It’s a tiny action that slowly creates big problems.
Fortunately, preventing the damage is just as simple:
Start your car. Wait a few seconds. Drive gently.
Your engine will thank you — and your wallet will, too.
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