Is there any practical benefit to letting a passenger car oil warm up before driving?

[Johnmpb]

today many people complain about oil drinking.
i think years ago it was not so common

Who is drinking oil?

 

[CB22]

With a standard passenger car, toyota camry, is there any mechanical benefit to letting the oil warm up in standard midwest winter, 10 - 30F, temps? When doing an oil change I noticed oil at operating temps runs out like water. About an hour later when draining the oil collection pan at 50F garage temps I noticed the oil ran like maple syrup. This is using a 5 30W synthetic oil. When it gets down to 20F I would imagine it runs even thicker. I am thinking that the car is designed to run best at stabilized operating temps where the oil runs like water. How much, if any, does the extra thickness of 20F oil wear the engine? Standard practice with fuel injected engines is they don't need any warm up but is there any benefit to letting the engine come up in temp just a bit and give a minute or two to warm the oil up to 100F or so?

I think there is. I warm up for 3 minutes in winter, and 30 seconds in summer.

 

[doublebase]

I mean, a warm engine of course is better for the engine, its designed to operate warm, expand, etc.

But everyone has to start their car, and as long as you take it easy the first few miles of driving, I see no reason to just sit there and let the thing idle to operating temperature. I haven’t done THAT since the days when a cold engine couldn’t run without letting it warm up (1980’s carburetor and cast iron block, days). Now? Just start it, let it idle for maybe a few seconds, put it in gear and try to take it easy for a few miles. No problem.

 

[demarpaint]

It looks like an annual should I warm up, or how long to warm up the car thread. I follow the tach, when the idle gets to about 1,000 rpm I drive away slowly and let the engine warm up by driving. I'm not a fan of wasting gas, and wearing out an engine w/o logging actual miles. Engines are best served moving a vehicle, not idling going nowhere. But hey do what makes you happy.

 

[yowps3]

Except if you live in an area filled with "not smart" drivers behind you who won't let you drive "safely" when you in the 1500rpm or less range in the cold days morning commute.

Focus in front of you not behind.

 

[wlk]

I always give it at least 5 minutes in the cold to help heat everything up and make sure windows are clear. The cost of the fuel for idling is nil for the added comfort and safety of being able to see. In warmer weather I give it about 30secs to a minute to come off the high idle.

 

[nicholas]

No benefit unless you like wasting fuel. A half minute should get the juices flowing.

Not true.
If you live in a cold climate you sometimes need heat to properly prevent your breath from fogging the windshield. Very cold weather sucks to drive in.
Heat= warm up time.

 

[CheezWhiz]

What do you consider short OCIs?

before the OLM says 20% or less? at that point, i change whenever is most convenient. if not traveling, i let it get pretty low, but if i am going on a trip i change beforehand in my shop so i am not worried about having to get it changes on the road

 

[CheezWhiz]

Not true.
If you live in a cold climate you sometimes need heat to properly prevent your breath from fogging the windshield. Very cold weather sucks to drive in.
Heat= warm up time.

i just hold my breath until my truck warms up.

 

[nomas]

Not true.
If you live in a cold climate you sometimes need heat to properly prevent your breath from fogging the windshield. Very cold weather sucks to drive in.
Heat= warm up time.

Mouth breather ?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Mouth breather ?

Gator Baiter?

 

[nicholas]

Mouth breather ?

You bet......

 

[tmorris1]

Not true.
If you live in a cold climate you sometimes need heat to properly prevent your breath from fogging the windshield. Very cold weather sucks to drive in.
Heat= warm up time.

I will go more with melting the ice and frost off the exterior if you park outside. Warm climates don't understand this.

 

[DGXR]

When cold started below ~45F, my engine immediately revs to 2300 RPM so I figure that's a safe engine speed until full temp is achieved, or close to full temp. I could drive all day below 2200 RPM but that's not good for an engine either LOL.

 

[RDY4WAR]

I timed my car this morning. It was 31°F when I started it up. It went to ~1400 rpm for 38 seconds and then it came down to the normal ~750 rpm idle. That's when I started driving.

 

[Patman]

Have you seen houses on the sides of a single lane per direction road in a 40mph(sorry practically 55) zone?

No matter how many times I have read this response to me, for the life of me I can't figure out what you are trying to say to me.

 

[Dyusik]

Remote start on both car and truck. It's warm when I get in, the little fuel that I use to warm them up is a luxury tax. The 20k (or whatever it may be) miles I'm shaving off the engine's life is also part of the same tax. I own the car, not the other way around.

 

[350Rocket]

Cool story
I am that guy, and you are obligated to "jam" on your brakes to slow down and drive legally at speed limit, especially if it is a one lane per direction. You make it seem you struggle to get past 25mph I feel sorry for you

Congrats on being inconsiderate of other drivers on the road. If you're in no rush, you could wait until the oncoming vehicle passes.

Edited my wording as it was likely not moderator friendly. Sorry, I have a temper when it comes to people who think only of themselves.

 

[gathermewool]

Not true.
If you live in a cold climate you sometimes need heat to properly prevent your breath from fogging the windshield. Very cold weather sucks to drive in.
Heat= warm up time.

At least around here the air is usually very dry when the temperatures are low. This means that my breath is usually absorbed into the air well before reaching the windshield.

Maybe you’re more full of hot air than me

 

[Hall]

Warm climates don't understand this.

I "debated" this elsewhere with someone and finally asked them where they park and where they live. They live in Dallas and park their car in a garage.