AN EXPERT mechanic has told motorists how to save "unnecessary" thousands of pounds by rejecting a popular "myth" about engines.
Car guru Scotty Kilmer shared the advice on his TikTok page, warning that people were wasting time and money revving up their motors.
The veteran mechanic with 55 years' experience issued the advice in a 43-second clip titled with the words: "Should you warm up your engine in the winter? Myth busted."
It has has since received more than 65,400 "likes" and provoked more than 1,000 TikTok comments in response.
He told viewers in the video: "Today I'm going to tell you about warming your car up in the winter - you don't really need to do it.
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"Realise that your car's engine does not really need to be warmed up before you drive it."
He explained how lightweight oil used in many car engines can flow through "very quickly" as soon as the ignition is switched on.
Unnecessarily turning on the engine could cost drivers thousands in fuel costs.
Yet he added as a final bit of advice: "You might want to turn on your car's heater to warm yourself up."
The guidance has provoked a mixed response online, with some insisting they would keep warming up their engines regardless.
One viewer posted: "I always let my car warm up for a minute or two all year round - just a habit."
Another suggested: "Every engine needs at least 60 to 120 seconds when first starting in the morning."
Yet the veteran mechanic was also told, "Thanks for the advice", as well: "Thank you, I've been telling people this forever."
Kilmer, who has more than 5million YouTube followers, has also recently urged motorists to stop buying a popular oil product, saying many are frittering away unnecessary cash.
The new guidance comes after the mechanic recommended three things you need to make your car last twice as long, a trio of fluids which can can save you hefty repair bills.
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He also advised on TikTok about an easy check which can guarantee that you're not being ripped off when you buy a used car.
In other videos he has urged drivers not to buy cars from one particular country over quality concerns and warned against a common mistake when changing oil that could ruin your car.
