The most idling you should do is when the RPM drops down, that's it. Just go after that. My reasoning is that it is to let the oil circulate a bit, then when the idle drops, it's sufficient for driving and maintaining wear protection.
Just don't be the guy that, on a cold start, starts the car, and goes immediately without waiting 30 seconds, let alone 3 seconds.
Originally Posted by hallstevenson
Glad to see the majority of responses coming from folks with actual experience with "cold" temperatures (50º F ain't cold !!). You know, those folks who think a car can be parked outside overnight in 15-30º F, possibly with rain or snow mixed in, and you get in your car, start it, put on your seat belt, and go ! Yeah, doesn't happen...
Sounds like the car is operating completely normal.
It's gotten down to 40F here in the winter, cold as heck! Even then, at minimum I let the idle drop first.