Originally Posted By: Droopy
I've got about 500 miles since I changed the oil in my Accord. I'm one to let the engine idle for 2 to 5 minuites on a cold start. If the engine is warm then I don't bother. What I have noticed is the engine takes a little bit longer for the temp gauge to move since installed the synthetic oil. Has anyone experienced this when they switched to synthetic? I'm not looking to get flamed for idiling my car, I've been doing it for years and it allows me to make sure I have everything before I leave my driveway(phone, coffee, etc.) Thanks in advance, Steve.
IME with modern cars it seems a long warm up period is not necessary, but I have also never seen any indication that it harmed anything either. There is very little wear while idling, but there is also very little heat generated.
Since there are so many variables like cooling system volume, thermostat, fan type, displacement, tuning, ambient temp, etc., that all affect warm up it would seem that broad statements are likely wrong for some cars.
In our mild climate we strive to ease out almost immediately but just drive gently until the engine warms a bit. It is important to note that you are warming up transmission and other wearing parts, too ..