If you grew up watching your parents start the car and let it idle in the driveway for a few minutes “to warm it up,” you’re not alone. It’s a habit passed down through generations, but does it still make sense for modern vehicles? Let’s separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common old-school car myths, starting with whether you really need to warm up your car before hitting the road.

Myth 1: You Need to Warm Up Your Car Before Driving
Truth: Not anymore,especially with modern vehicles.

This myth dates back to the era of carburettors, which required time to warm up for proper fuel and air mixing. However, modern engines use electronic fuel injection systems that adjust instantly based on temperature, meaning they’re ready to go almost immediately.

Letting your car idle for several minutes before driving in mild weather isn’t just unnecessary, it’s also a waste of fuel and can actually increase engine wear over time.

What you should do instead: Start your car, wait 10–30 seconds, then drive gently. This allows oil to circulate through the engine while keeping the car moving efficiently.

Myth 2: Idling Warms the Engine Better Than Driving
Truth: Driving warms up your engine faster than idling.

A car warms up much more quickly when you’re actually driving. Idling generates minimal heat and can cause fuel to wash oil off the cylinder walls, leading to increased wear. By driving gently for the first few minutes, your car reaches optimal temperature faster and with less wear.

Myth 3: Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better
Truth: Not unless your car is designed for it.

Many drivers believe that using a higher-octane fuel will improve performance or fuel efficiency. The truth is, if your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends regular unleaded, premium fuel offers no real benefit, and can just cost you more at the pump.

Always use the fuel type recommended in your owner’s manual. Using a higher-octane fuel won’t clean your engine or boost power unless it’s required for your specific model.

Myth 4: You Should Change Oil Every 5,000 km
Truth: Not necessarily.

While this was once standard advice, many modern cars can go 10,000 to 15,000 km between oil changes, depending on the type of oil and driving conditions. Instead of relying on old rules of thumb, check your logbook or talk to your mechanic about what’s right for your vehicle.

Keep Your Car in Top Shape with Expert Advice
At Auto Leaders, we help drivers across Queensland keep their vehicles running smoothly with expert servicing, honest advice, and up-to-date knowledge on modern cars. Whether you’ve got questions about your engine, servicing schedule, or just want to know what’s myth vs fact, we’re here to help.

So next time you start your car, skip the long idle and get moving (gently). Your engine—and your wallet—will thank you.

Book your next service today with Auto Leaders and drive smarter, not harder.