The mechanic’s warning is brutally simple: after a night of rest, your engine is practically dry. When you start the car, the oil pump needs 30 to 40 seconds to circulate lubricant through every moving part. If you move or accelerate immediately, metal components rub against each other with minimal protection, creating microscopic scratches that, over time, turn into serious internal damage.
In his workshop, he presented a stark example: an engine whose owner always started and drove off without waiting. The connecting rod and crankshaft bearings were so worn they had to be ground to 0.25, a delicate and costly repair that could have been completely avoided. Experts agree that giving your car half a minute before moving, and avoiding sudden revs when cold, is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to extend engine life and avoid catastrophic bills.