What should you consider after starting your vehicle?

After starting the engine, the rule of thumb is: start driving soon, but gently. Modern engines warm up faster and more evenly when they are driven under light load, not when they are left idling.

That’s why driving off as promptly as possible is correct: unnecessary idling causes extra exhaust emissions, noise, and fuel consumption, and in Germany avoidable engine running while stationary can be considered unnecessary and can be penalized in some situations.

Driving at low engine speeds is also correct: keep the revs modest, accelerate smoothly, and avoid full throttle or high speeds until the engine (and especially the oil) has warmed up. This reduces wear because lubrication and clearances are not yet at their optimal operating condition right after a cold start.

Letting the engine warm up while the vehicle is stationary is generally not recommended “if possible”: it warms the engine slowly, increases emissions, and doesn’t warm the drivetrain efficiently. The better approach is: set off shortly after starting, drive calmly for the first few minutes, and only use higher revs and strong acceleration once the engine is up to temperature.