The article discusses the debate over whether car engines should be warmed up before driving in winter, featuring insights from experienced taxi driver Voldemārs and engineering expert Gundars Zalcmanis from the Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte. Voldemārs, who has been a taxi driver for 27 years, shares that in his practice, he rarely warms up the engine beforehand, as he believes modern vehicles are designed to operate without needing this preparation. He suggests that gradual acceleration is a better approach than pre-heating the engine.

Zalcmanis elaborates on the mechanical systems in modern cars, noting that while warming up may not be universally necessary for all engines, it holds importance for certain components. He points out that systems such as closed crankcase ventilation or EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) have channels that can become clogged if the engine is not warmed up properly. Specifically, he highlights the necessity of warming up engines equipped with automatic transmissions, especially those with hydromechanical gearboxes that rely on oil to engage the necessary gears.

The article ultimately provides a balanced view, advising car owners to consider their vehicle type when deciding whether or not to pre-warm the engine. The insights shared by both Voldemārs and Zalcmanis aim to educate drivers on the operational demands of their vehicles, especially during Latvia's harsh winter months, promoting better engine maintenance practices and efficiency.