The Common Startup Mistake That Can Ruin Your Engine, According to Experts
Automotive specialists are warning drivers about a habit so common that many don’t realize it’s slowly damaging their car’s engine. It’s something most of us do every day without thinking — starting the car and driving off immediately.
While it might seem harmless, this small action can lead to major long-term problems, drastically shortening your engine’s lifespan and resulting in costly repairs.
A mechanic who posts under the TikTok account @tallerredista explained the issue in a recent video that has gained attention among drivers.
Why You Should Wait Before Driving
The mechanic advised that when starting your car, you should let the engine run for 30 to 40 seconds before moving. That short pause allows the engine oil to circulate fully through the system and lubricate all the moving parts properly.
“Not giving the oil time to do its job causes unnecessary wear and tear,” he warned.
Skipping this simple step can lead to mechanical strain, especially on cold starts when the oil has settled overnight and needs a moment to reach critical components.
What Happens If You Drive Right Away
In his video, the mechanic demonstrated the aftermath of neglecting this advice. The car in question belonged to an owner who habitually started the engine and drove off immediately.
Over time, this created serious damage to the connecting rod and crankshaft bearings — parts that must remain well-lubricated to function smoothly. The mechanic had to grind the components to a tolerance of 0.25, a repair that required extensive disassembly and came with a hefty bill.
All of it, he said, could have been avoided by waiting a few extra seconds each morning.
The Science Behind the Wait
Experts agree this isn’t an exaggeration. When a car has been sitting for several hours, the oil drains back into the pan. Upon startup, the oil pump needs a few moments to build pressure and circulate lubrication throughout the engine.
If you immediately start driving — or worse, rev the engine — it begins working under load before the metal components are properly coated with oil. This can cause friction, internal scratches, and overheating, leading to engine seizure in extreme cases.
Repairing that kind of damage can cost thousands of dollars — sometimes more than $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the vehicle.
A Simple Habit That Protects Your Engine
Automotive workshops consistently emphasize that waiting just 30 seconds before moving your car is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your engine’s health.
In our rush to get places, it’s easy to overlook these small habits. But experts remind us that good vehicle maintenance doesn’t just happen at the mechanic’s shop — it starts with mindful everyday actions.
That short pause before driving off may feel insignificant, but it’s one of the smartest ways to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.