Starting your car and immediately leaving may seem like a harmless action, but it could be shortening the engine’s lifespan and causing very costly damage.

A mechanic using the TikTok account @tallerredista warned about this common yet harmful habit.

How long should you leave the engine running before starting your car?
According to the mechanic, it’s ideal to leave the engine running for 30 to 40 seconds before starting.

This brief pause allows the oil to properly distribute throughout the system and lubricate the moving parts.

“Not giving the lubricant time to do its job can cause significant wear,” he warned.

The risks of moving immediately after starting the car

In his video, he showed the case of an engine affected by this practice: the owner used to start the car and move immediately.

Over time, this caused severe deterioration of the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings, which had to be ground to 0.25. The repair was expensive and required delicate disassembly that could have been avoided by waiting a few seconds.

What can happen to the car if you start driving without waiting a few seconds?
This advice is neither isolated nor exaggerated.

Experts in the field agree that the oil needs a few moments to reach the necessary pressure and temperature after several hours of inactivity.

The dangers of accelerating the car immediately after starting it: Expert advice
If you accelerate the vehicle as soon as it’s started, the engine begins to work without adequate lubrication, which can lead to internal scratches, overheating, and even seizure. Repairing this damage can cost up to $2,500,000.

Various workshops point out that waiting half a minute is a simple and effective way to extend the engine’s life.

Although today’s fast-paced lifestyles tend to minimize these details, specialists remind us that car maintenance begins with everyday habits.

Watch the video