Warm Up time?

[kartracer55]

Since today's high is like 15*, I figured I would ask.

How do you guys let your car's warm up on cold days? I always liked to get it into operating range, but don't always let it warm all the way up to temp, and just take it easy. However what got me questioning this method was in the 08 Toyota 4runner manual, there is a section entitled "tips for extending engine life and improving gas mileage", one of the tips is "avoid long warm up times; when engine is smooth begin driving"

Now I couldn't tell if this was intended solely to save gas or if there was engine longevity behind it? I really don't care about wasting the gas because I don't drive very much to feel the pain at the pump. A tank of gas lasts me a long time.

Anyway, is there any drawback, other than wasting fuel, to letting my engine warm up into operating range before driving?

Jim

 

[VK56VD]

Warm it up for a few minutes and drive slowly/smoothly until the car reaches normal operating temperature. After 15 mins. or so the oil should reach operating temperature as well at which point you can drive however you please.

The section in your manual is intended to save the environment and save fuel. I did read on here that extended idling can increase carbon build up. For this, use a quality fuel injector every 10-15k miles and you will be good to go.

 

[ChiTDI]

Don't think you can do any damage other than fuel dilution if you overdo the warmup time.
One point another poster brought up though, is to "warm up" the brakes. When you do pull away, lightly and evenly apply the brakes a few times to warm the moving parts and not warp the rotors from applying hard cold rotors into a heat producing situation.

 

[demarpaint]

I generally wait until the rpms drop below 1000, then take off easily until the car warms up. It was about 6*F this morning and took a little less than 2 minutes to drop below 1000 rpm. I drive my cars pretty easy anyway. I also try to avoid forcing a downshift getting on to the highway when the engine is not at operating temps.

 

[Spykem4e]

The more you idle, the less mpg you'll get so they are right but they only talk for better mpg.

For the warm up time, right now here its -15f or so (-33C) and My car wasnt plugged. I started it, put on the heated seat, back window defrost, take the scrapper, clean the windows, check wipers, and I,m good to go (approx. 2 minutes).

If you dont have to do all this, 30 sec-1 minute max is enough to get oil everywhere in the engine. Btw, when warm up your car, the only thing thats doing is warming up the engine and inside of the car. The transmission is not running enough to get warm. the differential the same thing (if not turning,its not warming up, if you have one). Same thing for wheels bearing.

After 30sec-60secs of warm-up, drive your car slowly for a couple of miles and when you feel the car okay, then drive it in normal mode

 

[BuickGN]

When I had the rental car it was great. I would start it, put it in gear and go. I would drag the brakes with it at half throttle for the first minute. Talk about nearly instant heat from the heater.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: BuickGN
When I had the rental car it was great. I would start it, put it in gear and go. I would drag the brakes with it at half throttle for the first minute. Talk about nearly instant heat from the heater.


Rental cars are fun aren't they? Which is why I would never buy one.

Frank D

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I like my vehicles so unless I have heavy ice on windshield issues I don't warm it up. I start it. Put it in gear and drive gently until the temperature comes up. Extended idling , especially right after a cold start loads the oil with fuel wich speeds oxidation and decreases the oils ability to lubricate.
You also get a faster warmup while in motion since at idle it takes a lot longer to increase the temperature. .. My work truck, which is maintained on a severe schedule (2006 f 150 oilfiled truck) gets idles in the morning to melt off the ice as I cook my breakfast. My fleet manager thinks he is allowing extended OCI's at 4k miles.

 

[StevieC]

I start my car in whatever temperature and wait until my Scan Gauge reads 100oF water temperature, put it in gear and drive it moderately until the water temperature is at its normal 188-192oF.

Works for me...

I have done this in the past with my other vehicles and have achieved well over 350,000KM on them all.

 

[demarpaint]

I just don't like putting the car in gear while the engine is above 1000 rpm A/T, or engaging the clutch while the engine is still racing. Old habits die hard for me. OTOH its rare I let an engine idle more than 3 or 4 minutes, unless its covered with thick ice. I think modern EFI engines do a pretty good job of metering fuel if the system is working well. JMO

 

[mechtech2]

Drive almost immediately. The load heats up the engine and other parts/systems much faster. But no full throttle or hard driving until you get 1/2 way up the temp gauge.
15F would be a welcome warmup in the Chicago area.

 

[raaizin]

I start it up and drive away. I live in NJ so it doent get quite as cold as some other areas, although it was 10 degrees today. I have 204k miles on a 1996 explorer which I purchased new. The engine seems in great condition(does not burn oil or make starnge sounds) So I dont think I am hurting it

 

[Pop_Rivit]

None. This morning it was -21 in the garage. I started it, turned the radio on, buckled up, pulled out, watched the door close, and drove off. Took it easy for a couple miles then drove normally.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

My start-to-drive off time is about 30 seconds. A little longer in sub-zero temps. And while waiting with the brakes on I always throw the car in gear so that the ATF also gets a chance to warm up.

But I dont understand why people make any connection between the coolant temp gauge or cabin fan air temp and the readiness of the engine to start pulling the car, or use them as any kind of indicator for the same. From the 2000°F temps in the cylinders to the 60°F heat coming out of the fan blower there are so many layers of heat transfer! The engine oil is ready long before the gauge starts going up or the heat starts blowing!!

 

[01rangerxl]

I just put it in gear and go. Maybe I'll wait long enough to put a CD in, but other than that I don't let it warm up.

 

[StevieC]

I just couldn't do that... I'm not saying I wait for a long time, but I think its important that the oil warms up and circulates a bit before taking off... Just my gut feeling I guess.

 

[01rangerxl]

It gets a lot colder in Ontario than in NC. Today it was 12* F outside and it cranked right up and ran like normal. I think the Scangauge showed a coolant temp of about 55* when I drove off. The transmission needs about 20 minutes of driving before it will get to it's regular temperature anyway.

 

[BearZDefect]

This morning it was -5*f here, too cold for me.

I don't like to leave the engine idling for nothing. Modern engine controls reduce the fast idle quickly to save gas, which doesn't help warmup. I think they care about warming up the cats, not the engine.

My usual first start of the day routine is to wait 5-10 seconds then drive off gently. Yesterday and today after the 5-10 seconds I opened the throttle slightly to increase engine speed a bit over 2,000rpm for a minute before driving off.

The ATF was very cold, the first two shifts felt stiff.

 

[StevieC]

It was cold in your area... On my Windows Vista Side Bar I have a weather Widget for my weather and Kentucky (friends live near you), and it was showing -21oC this morning... Much colder than us this morning which was weird because it's usually the opposite!

You can keep it though... hehehe

 

[rg200amp]

Its been in the 5-10 degree range around here in the AM. I start the car and let it run for 3-5 min. while I let my dog out and feed her.

That way I have a toasty car to get into when I leave.