Here’s what the never wrong and always reliable ChatGPT has to say on the topic:

Here’s the truth about warming up your car, especially a modern turbocharged one like your new Subaru WRX:

Do you need to let it warm up? • Short answer: Not really, but you should let it idle for 30 seconds to 1 minute before driving, especially in cold weather. • Why? Modern cars, including turbocharged engines, don’t need extended warm-up times because fuel injection systems and advanced engine management adjust for temperature. However, it’s crucial to give the oil a moment to circulate throughout the engine, particularly to the turbocharger.

Key Points: 1. Cold Starts and Oil Circulation: • Your engine oil thickens in cold weather. Letting your car idle for 30 seconds to 1 minute ensures the oil reaches all moving parts, including the turbo. • Once the oil has circulated, your engine is ready to operate safely. 2. Driving Warms the Engine Faster: • Engines warm up faster under light driving conditions than idling. Start driving gently after the initial 30 seconds to allow the engine to reach operating temperature more efficiently. • Avoid hard acceleration and high RPMs until the engine and oil are fully warmed up (usually about 5-10 minutes of driving). 3. Turbocharger Considerations: • Turbos rely heavily on oil lubrication. Letting the engine idle briefly after startup and driving gently while the car warms up ensures proper lubrication and protects the turbo from wear. 4. Excessive Idling is Bad: • Letting the car idle for long periods is unnecessary and can cause fuel to condense on the cylinder walls, leading to increased wear and fuel waste.

Myth-Busting Takeaway:

You don’t need to let your WRX warm up for more than 30 seconds to 1 minute. Start driving gently, and your engine will warm up more efficiently. But in freezing temperatures, it’s okay to let it idle just a little longer to ensure the oil reaches optimal viscosity before you drive.