Warming Cars !!

[Razer]

Hi....I just wanted to share some ideas amongst some owners..... how many of you owners here warm cars in the morning??? Does it protect the engine better in the long run or not?? I live in an apartment so it is pretty hard for me.....any suggestions for me thx....

PS I've also heard of starting cars with some alarms and setting the time to start the car.....please reply:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Zdster Edit: Please only use colours in for sale threads

[vtec_jet]

yeh letting it warm up in tha morning for a bit would be a good idea . .

oh and for future reference, dont use colours in threads, only in For Sale threads its allowed!

[Chi]

Usually wise idea to warm up cars in older models.

But with modern technologyin newer cars and better engine oils i think its fine to drive after a small warm up of 1min.

Just dont fang it or push it hard until 30mins later IMHO

[EuroDude]

All cars should be warmed up to extend the life of the engine and to be sure the oil is flowing properly (which takes about 15-30 seconds). Metal expands when hot so thrashing the car when cold can cause excessive wear'n'tear.

Although if you are in a hurry, its ok to warm up the engine for only 15-30 seconds (oil flow), then drive off keeping the revs below 3000rpm. Once the needle is at the normal temp (just below half way) then you may rev higher.

[Mr_will]

Usually wise idea to warm up cars in older models.

But with modern technologyin newer cars and better engine oils i think its fine to drive after a small warm up of 1min.

Just dont fang it or push it hard until 30mins later IMHO


30mins is way longer than you need to wait.


there are only two real factors at play here: oil temp and oil pressure.

you get oil pressure very quickly (<30secs).
oil warms more quickly than coolant, so a safe sign is that once your temp needle has stopped moving, youre safe. the temp reading on the stock guage is from the sensor in the thermostat housing so it is relatively conservative, for this purpose

those are the facts, each to their own as far as specific methods go. heres mine:

idle for 30seconds to get oil pressure
hold first gear change <2000 rpm for as long as possible, ie driving very slowly. low throttle pressure, low rpm <2500 shifts until needle starts moving.

shifting around 3000, no higher till needle stops moving

a minute or two after needle stops moving, shift as you like

[IntegraDc2R]

Is it necessary to also warm down the engine after driving?
Would it be gay to have a turbo timer install in a non turbo car to warm the engine down?

[EuroDude]

not needed for an N/A car.

actually Ive heard its useless for Turbo cars too , since there is no energy/heat produced after the engine is off, therefore the turbo doesnt actually get hotter or anything - it simply just takes longer to cool down.
not sure if thats true tho...

[EG5[KRT]]

usually on track racers its good to warm down the car.. i used to have a NA turbo timer on my car.. the apexi pen type one...

but yeah i usually just run the car for 1 minute then just take it ez until its up to operating temp thats when vtec kicks in as well :D

[Mr_will]

Is it necessary to also warm down the engine after driving?
Would it be gay to have a turbo timer install in a non turbo car to warm the engine down?


a turbo timer is not installed to warm down the engine.

turbos spin at insane speeds, like 150 000rpm or so (dont flame me on specifics here). as a result the oil around them gets very hot. the function of a turbo timer is to keep the engine running, so that the hot oil can circulate and cool, because if it is left there and allowed to cool at a faster rate, it will turn to sludge, and the turbo will not be properly lubricated, which will eventually make it die.

the point i am making is that you are not warming down COMPONENTS, you are warming down a fluid

normal engine components (ie anything except a turbo) dont get as hot, so this is not as big an issue.

also consider this. when your car is stationary, no air is flowing throught the engine bay. irrespective of whether you have an oil cooler or not, this will give rise to the problem of heat soak, which refers to the fact that components heat up the air around them, and because this air is not moving, it keeps the components hotter, so by sitting your car stationary you are circulating the oil, which is good, but you are also making things hotter, which is bad. even when the radiator fan kicks in, it wont do anywhere near as good a job as regular airflow.

you are much better off just going round the block (assuming you can go at a reasonable speed (40km/h plus, or so) and having a 'cool down lap' so to speak

[Mr_will]

actually Ive heard its useless for Turbo cars too , since there is no energy/heat produced after the engine is off, therefore the turbo doesnt actually get hotter or anything - it simply just takes longer to cool down.
not sure if thats true tho...


incorrect - read the bit in my above post about sludge :)

[mj3610]

u don need to warm up the car its a waste of fuel, just dont hit the high range rpm till the car is at optimum operating temperature (where the temp needle normally sits)...

[EuroDude]

incorrect - read the bit in my above post about sludge :)


This site doesnt think so (in regards to modern turbo cars and synthetic oils)~

http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boost/gotchas/useless_mods.htm


Turbo timers

Total waste of space.

Turbo timers are a remnant from days past, when all turbos were aircooled and synthetic oils were not around (or too expensive!)

Switching off immediately after a full-boost run would then cause the oil pump to stop, and the oil remaining in the turbo bearing would carbonise and turn to a form of ash (coking was the term)
Nowadays this cannot happen. The water jacket absorbs all the extra heat from the bearing, and then some. Therefore the oil temps don't exceed 120C even then, and synthetics tend to resist death until over 150C, so there is no benefit from the turbo timer, except unnecessary idling (that does the turbo seals no good, neither the camshafts)

Idle is not good for turbos, water cooled turbos don't need any of this maintenance. Just roll smoothly after a full-boost run, if you're going to switch off immediately, that's all.

[Mr_will]

u don need to warm up the car its a waste of fuel, just dont hit the high range rpm till the car is at optimum operating temperature (where the temp needle normally sits)...


so oil pressure doesnt matter to you?

[Mr_will]

This site doesnt think so (in regards to modern turbo cars and synthetic oils)~

http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boost/gotchas/useless_mods.htm


Turbo timers

Total waste of space.

Turbo timers are a remnant from days past, when all turbos were aircooled and synthetic oils were not around (or too expensive!)

Switching off immediately after a full-boost run would then cause the oil pump to stop, and the oil remaining in the turbo bearing would carbonise and turn to a form of ash (coking was the term)
Nowadays this cannot happen. The water jacket absorbs all the extra heat from the bearing, and then some. Therefore the oil temps don't exceed 120C even then, and synthetics tend to resist death until over 150C, so there is no benefit from the turbo timer, except unnecessary idling (that does the turbo seals no good, neither the camshafts)

Idle is not good for turbos, water cooled turbos don't need any of this maintenance. Just roll smoothly after a full-boost run, if you're going to switch off immediately, that's all.




if all turbos were water cooled youd be correct there, but the reality is that they arent.

you also cant claim to know the running temp of all setups. id bet full boost driving through peak traffic (whilst stupid, thats not the point at issue) would get temps well up in those regions.

id agree that an oil cooler would lessen the need for a turbo timer, but on an oil cooled turbo, its still necessary

[EuroDude]

@mj3610

Remember that the engine is designed to run at a certain temperature.

If you run the engine cold above 1500rpm idle, the engine will wear down quicker.

Its quite variable, but generally the longer you keep the revs low whilst warming up, the longer the engine will last before needing a rebuild.

[EuroDude]

if all turbos were water cooled youd be correct there, but the reality is that they arent.

you also cant claim to know the running temp of all setups. id bet full boost driving through peak traffic (whilst stupid, thats not the point at issue) would get temps well up in those regions.

id agree that an oil cooler would lessen the need for a turbo timer, but on an oil cooled turbo, its still necessary

I'm just quoting what that site said. I personally wouldnt have a clue about turbo setups ;)

[Mr_will]

I'm just quoting what that site said. I personally wouldnt have a clue about turbo setups ;)


yes bad typing on my part, when typing YOU, i was referring to the article, and its claims etc.

[aimre]

i will input 2 things here:

1. Letting and engine idle for a long time it not good for it. When i get to my car of a morning, i take off the car cover till the front door, open it, start the engine. It will only idle for as long as it take for me to put my cover in the boot and then stick my bag in the car.

2. Refering to point one, but for turbos, instead of letting your turbo timer idle for 2 min, how about dring at low boost 5 min before u get home, then only idleing you engine for 1min

[kam]

Hi....I just wanted to share some ideas amongst some owners..... how many of you owners here warm cars in the morning??? Does it protect the engine better in the long run or not?? I live in an apartment so it is pretty hard for me.....any suggestions for me thx....

PS I've also heard of starting cars with some alarms and setting the time to start the car.....please reply:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

Zdster Edit: Please only use colours in for sale threads

you got an S class rolling on 20's and an STI and your asking if warming up your engine is good for your car :confused:

[mj3610]

i just drive when the idle drops from 1500 to 750.

this is from the manual from my car. (94 accord vti)

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1987/untitledscanned01gk8.jpg

hope that helps

[Mr_will]

i just drive when the idle drops from 1500 to 750.




u don need to warm up the car its a waste of fuel, just dont hit the high range rpm till the car is at optimum operating temperature (where the temp needle normally sits)...



hmmm....

[string]

Idle not good for engine? Right... The word taxi ring a bell? They have to be idling more than any motor in existance and they last literally forever.

**** waiting for warm up, just drive nice and slow ata low rpm until you start to see the temp needle move (at max 60 seconds).

[aaronng]

This site doesnt think so (in regards to modern turbo cars and synthetic oils)~

http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boost/gotchas/useless_mods.htm


Turbo timers

Total waste of space.

Turbo timers are a remnant from days past, when all turbos were aircooled and synthetic oils were not around (or too expensive!)

Switching off immediately after a full-boost run would then cause the oil pump to stop, and the oil remaining in the turbo bearing would carbonise and turn to a form of ash (coking was the term)
Nowadays this cannot happen. The water jacket absorbs all the extra heat from the bearing, and then some. Therefore the oil temps don't exceed 120C even then, and synthetics tend to resist death until over 150C, so there is no benefit from the turbo timer, except unnecessary idling (that does the turbo seals no good, neither the camshafts)

Idle is not good for turbos, water cooled turbos don't need any of this maintenance. Just roll smoothly after a full-boost run, if you're going to switch off immediately, that's all.



His info is not right. Even with the water jacket that has water that is not being circulated, only a limited about of heat can be absorbed before it starts to boil. Turbos can heat up way past 500C because of the hot exhaust gases, and to get the temperature all the way down to keep oil temps below 150C means you need to have quite a lot of oil and water circulating to draw the heat away.

For NA cars, after normal driving, just idle for 10-20 seconds or so. If you have been tracking it, then a bit longer, say 3-5 minutes.

For turbo cars, I'll let others with more experience give their opinions as my car is NA :)

[aimre]

Idle not good for engine? Right... The word taxi ring a bell? They have to be idling more than any motor in existance and they last literally forever.

**** waiting for warm up, just drive nice and slow ata low rpm until you start to see the temp needle move (at max 60 seconds).


US Environmental Protection Agency[/FONT]]Excessive idling can damage engine components, including your vehicle's cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust system.
......

[mugeneration]

JUst do it this way: When you get in your car, first thing to do is turn it on. Then adjust you aircon, radio and seat belt etc. That is about enough time to get everything fine to drive away.

[Mr_will]

......



the operative word there is CAN. yes if you leave your car idling for too long it will overheat and things will get nasty.

look at who wrote that...the people interested in lowering emissions, of COURSE theyre going to tell people that.

there may be a grain of truth in the sense that excessive idling is bad for overheating reasons, but this doesnt mean it applies as a blanket statement, like they are making out

[LiquiDSound]

in the mornings I wait 1min till rpm drops below 1,500 idle, then i zoom off shifting at 4,200rpm is that O.K for a typeR? my place is kinda hilly.

[LiquiDSound]

oh shit i just realised im a noob >< =(

[mugeneration]

Yeah that's fine. You only need to take extra precautions in extreme kinds of weather.

[iced]

30mins is way longer than you need to wait.


there are only two real factors at play here: oil temp and oil pressure.

you get oil pressure very quickly (<30secs).
oil warms more quickly than coolant, so a safe sign is that once your temp needle has stopped moving, youre safe. the temp reading on the stock guage is from the sensor in the thermostat housing so it is relatively conservative, for this purpose

those are the facts, each to their own as far as specific methods go. heres mine:

idle for 30seconds to get oil pressure
hold first gear change <2000 rpm for as long as possible, ie driving very slowly. low throttle pressure, low rpm <2500 shifts until needle starts moving.

shifting around 3000, no higher till needle stops moving

a minute or two after needle stops moving, shift as you like

i think you are wrong here. no offense.

if you have a water temp and oil temp gauge you can see water takes less than 5min to reach normal operating temp.
oil can take up to 10-15min of normal driving to warm up to normal operating temp around 80degC. even if you sit a car for 10min idling in the morning the oil temp wont reach anywhere near normal temp. this is why excess idling is useless.
if you let your car idle for around 5min water temp will reach (or close to reaching) normal temp which is also around 80degC.

im talking from experience here because i have aftermarket water temp, oil temp, oil pressure gauges in my car.
its from simple observation.
if i didnt have these gauges i wouldnt even know myself and would only be using evidence of my finding on forums etc to backup my argument.

[egSi]

i have no thermostat in my car and let it warm for a while before i drive off.

new cars dont really need it as much like ppl have noted.

[VTi_b0i]

lol i warm my car up for atleast 5mins everytime i start it no matter what. i have done it since the day i bought it.

[mj3610]

jesus...
u onli need to "warmup" for about a minute or so, as u can see honda engineers have said that in the owners manual of a car they designed, so all u shit-talkers stop shit-talking for once...
good night :)

[kleung]

If you're sitting there idling the engine to warm it up and to get the lubricants moving, what about the transmission?

[dc2dc2dc2]

5 minutes ! FK THAT IS LONG !

[DLO01]

People 'over do' warming up their cars. As long as the oil is circulating with todays technology of oils the car is fine to drive straight away. I would not cane the motor untill fully warm though. Normal driving straight away is fine.

Your 'Coolant' temps warms before 'Oil' so Mr will is incorrect in what he says.

further more, Turbo timers are simply a 'Assistance Tool' and nothing more as you don't nessasarily need one. In saying that, cooling down period 'is needed' for both Turbo and NA motors after spirited driving ie track work.

[iced]

i read Mr_will post and laughed.
as knowledgable as the advice sounds it is completely wrong.
a noob will just believe it and take it as valuable info.

please read my reply to this about 5 posts up.

thanks DLO01
at least someone besides me is using real knowledge.
everyone else is just boosting their post count for the sake of it.

[aaronng]

the operative word there is CAN. yes if you leave your car idling for too long it will overheat and things will get nasty.

look at who wrote that...the people interested in lowering emissions, of COURSE theyre going to tell people that.

there may be a grain of truth in the sense that excessive idling is bad for overheating reasons, but this doesnt mean it applies as a blanket statement, like they are making out
Overheat if you idle for too long? Your radiator fan will turn on to prevent that.
And coolant heats up first before oil.

[egSi]

according to my manual, operating temp is when the thermo fan has kicked in at least twice.

[mrwillz]

ive sat n waited in the morning in my car
from starting the car til the needle on the temp gauge is about 1/4 on its way to being at its usual point.
took 4 mins in total... about ther neway

[aimre]

the operative word there is CAN. yes if you leave your car idling for too long it will overheat and things will get nasty.

look at who wrote that...the people interested in lowering emissions, of COURSE theyre going to tell people that.

there may be a grain of truth in the sense that excessive idling is bad for overheating reasons, but this doesnt mean it applies as a blanket statement, like they are making out

Who said n e thing bout over heating.

Reading around came said:

Runs richer when idling, leading to incomplete cumbustion, fouling plugs and washind lubricant of cylinder walls.

[LiquiDSound]

jesus...
u onli need to "warmup" for about a minute or so, as u can see honda engineers have said that in the owners manual of a car they designed, so all u shit-talkers stop shit-talking for once...
good night :)

Acknowleged!:thumbsup:

[xenfacta]

i turn the ignition to on (not actually start) for a couple of seconds to get the fuel pump going then start. the best way to get to operating temp is to acutally drive it. wait until temp gauge is at its normal level before serious driving.

[EuroDude]

Well dont know about that - driving straight away, I mean other mechanical parts also need to warm up as well that are connected by metal to the engine body, for instance the gearbox, steering mechanism etc..

For instance, ive noticed that the steering wheel makes a rubbing noise when driving while the engine is still cold. Which could cause excess wear on the rubber seals etc.. And gear changes dont seem as fluid.

I actually revved my car to 4000rpm once by accident when the car/engine was completely cold, and it didnt sound too good at all.

Basically, the longer the car warms up at the lowest revs possible, the longer the engine will last. Which means you should idle for at least a few minutes before driving. Less time if you use good quality synthetic oil for extra cold-start protection.

[Blitzen]

Dam... someone started this warm up topic first... but anyway, the point I want to make is to warn everyone: Do not idle your engine excessively!

I just read this article from SMH - Good Weekend by Dr. Karl S. Kruszelinicki, in summary warming up engines are bad because:

-fuel are not completely burnt, leading to fuel condensation on cylinder walls, which leads to fuel washing off lube and ultimatley more engine wear.

-unburnt fuel literally drips down and contaminates oil in sump

-also causes dirty spark plugs, and claims fuel consumption can increase by 5%

-the longer the warm up, the longer idle, the more water vapour from exhaust, which cause smoke appearing (especially during cold winter mornings) lead to rusting

-catalytic converters only effective at operating temperature (400'c - 800'c) such figures cannot be achieved during warmup, and thus polluting the environment

-the best way to warm up an engine is start it up, let it idle for a few seconds, then drive in a slow manner - don't pressure the engine for revs, i.e don't cane it, yet don't try to pull it from low revs at high gears

all this is proven, Governments around the world are banning unneccessary idling of engine, even in the snow fields of Canada, research show that at minus 20'c it only requires 15 - 20 seconds to warm up an engine, let alone the weather in Australia. So if we change our habits, not only give us the return of less engine wear and effecient fuel consumption, but also protecting the environment

Since I've been driving the Euro, I'll start her up, and sit in the car for at least a minute, waiting for the temperature gauge to reach the first red line, then driving it for a minute or so to reach mid way through the gauge, now I'll definatly not do that ever again...


Blitzen

[string]

You believe everything you read?

Fuel not completely burnt at idle? Please give me evidence of this being any more true than at any other operating rpm. You said it was proven - show everyone.

There is absolutely no way a cat convertor in my car will get anywhere near 800 degrees - thats higher than the temps comming out of the head, let alone 2 metres down the pipework.

Any links to this article?

[Encor3]

You believe everything you read?

Fuel not completely burnt at idle? Please give me evidence of this being any more true than at any other operating rpm. You said it was proven - show everyone.

There is absolutely no way a cat convertor in my car will get anywhere near 800 degrees - thats higher than the temps comming out of the head, let alone 2 metres down the pipework.

Any links to this article?

i agree..
Fuel is never really completely burnt anyways (vce chemistry ;) )

[andiiso]

i just reckon, turn car on, get seatbelts etc all adjusted and your comfy, mayb sit a little longer, probs at max 1-2mins, and then drive, and if no cars behind you or anything your gettin in the way of, just drive on first gear at like 1.5-2k rev, or change to second gear and cruise at slowest smooth speed and then after a bit of that just drive normally, shifting at 2.5-3k etc, just enough to get along with traffic speed etc. and no hard driving spirited driving etc till car is properly warmed ...

thats just what i do really ..

[vippy84]

Let's take it this way!
a human before doing a run needs a proper warm up. What happen when he/she doesn't. Cramp? injury? Whatever they are.
Engine is similar to this, so just warm up the car for a bit.

Well. My whole family has been teaching me that I need to warm up the car before I drive it. So I believe that is the right thing to do.

I usually warm it up 3-5 minutes. If I am in a hurry, then I will wait till my rpm drops to 1 before I drive it. Driving a car with warm engine is much nicer compare to driving a car with cold engine. It is good for a long term as well as I believe that your car can last longer as your car is properly taken care off.

I dont usually like to see smoke coming out of my exhaust even if it is early in the cold morning. It looks like a spoilt car.

So, take care of your babies carefully..

[Klayemore]

ffs! All the nooblets in here - yes you should probably warm up your car before driving it - no you should not let it warm up for 4 minutes or so, that's just overkill. I say 1 minute is enough, then just take it easy for 10 minutes afterwards.

[fatboyz39]

car warms faster when your driving it. I usually warm up for max 1 minute then start driving. This is to ensure oil pressure.

[Dreams]

wth is this thread, so confusing.

i think its best to warm it up over night... :D

[Klayemore]

wth is this thread, so confusing.

i think its best to warm it up over night... :D

lollz

[gheybo]

I normally warm up my car for about 5 min before i start driving. I think it's better for the engine when it is warmed up properly.

When i'm in a hurry i warm it for about 2 min, but i don't give much rev's, about 3000 rpm.

[aaronng]

I warm it for 30 seconds. By then, oil is already circulating around the journals and head. Drive with light throttle, limiting revs to below 3500rpm. Don't do something silly like shift from 1st to 2nd at 2000rpm as you will lug and damage the cold engine in 2nd gear. So do the 1st to 2nd shift at 3000rpm or 3500rpm depending on your gear ratio.

[Blitzen]

You believe everything you read?

Fuel not completely burnt at idle? Please give me evidence of this being any more true than at any other operating rpm. You said it was proven - show everyone.

There is absolutely no way a cat convertor in my car will get anywhere near 800 degrees - thats higher than the temps comming out of the head, let alone 2 metres down the pipework.

Any links to this article?

from my memory, get a copy of yesterday's (14/7/2007) Sydney Morning Herald - Good Weekend, and go across to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki article, the stop revive survive guy...

I clearly remember he didn't write the article out of he's own research, but from a Scientific genre magazine, can't remember which, sorry, but it must be from either: Popular Science, Scientific America, or Popular Mechanics.

I was so pissed when I forgot to link the article, and you all bagged me for that... but then I searched all over the internet and couldn't find a reference... possible that it was only featured in the magazine, not online

but then again, thinking about it, I guess warming up an engine is good rather than little to none and let it run slowly to operating temperature... just like the other guy referencing to sporting activities, though i still beleve the best way to warm up an engine is a combinaton of moderate idle and ease driving at the beginning

[Mr_will]

from my memory, get a copy of yesterday's (14/7/2007) Sydney Morning Herald - Good Weekend, and go across to Dr Karl Kruszelnicki article, the stop revive survive guy...

I clearly remember he didn't write the article out of he's own research, but from a Scientific genre magazine, can't remember which, sorry, but it must be from either: Popular Science, Scientific America, or Popular Mechanics.

I was so pissed when I forgot to link the article, and you all bagged me for that... but then I searched all over the internet and couldn't find a reference... possible that it was only featured in the magazine, not online

but then again, thinking about it, I guess warming up an engine is good rather than little to none and let it run slowly to operating temperature... just like the other guy referencing to sporting activities, though i still beleve the best way to warm up an engine is a combinaton of moderate idle and ease driving at the beginning


a) comparing warming a car to warming muscles before exercising is utterly stupid, and pointless

b) show us proof that there is more unburnt fuel at idle than any other rpm

c) the other thing to consider is that whilst low revs/low load warming is ideal (i just drive in first at 2000-2500 in my street till the needle starts to move, which is only a few mins), letting it idle is better than giving it lots of revs/heavy load, so if youre an idiot/cant drive, maybe this is a better solution

d) cracked pepper?

e) almost every person i have every spoken to who works in the transport industry - trucks/taxis has said they warm their cars by idling for several minutes. these people all work for companies that spend millions of dollars on their equipment. i wonder if they have taken the time to think about what is the best method for warming their engines?

[Blitzen]

a) comparing warming a car to warming muscles before exercising is utterly stupid, and pointless

b) show us proof that there is more unburnt fuel at idle than any other rpm

c) the other thing to consider is that whilst low revs/low load warming is ideal (i just drive in first at 2000-2500 in my street till the needle starts to move, which is only a few mins), letting it idle is better than giving it lots of revs/heavy load, so if youre an idiot/cant drive, maybe this is a better solution

d) cracked pepper?

e) almost every person i have every spoken to who works in the transport industry - trucks/taxis has said they warm their cars by idling for several minutes. these people all work for companies that spend millions of dollars on their equipment. i wonder if they have taken the time to think about what is the best method for warming their engines?


Take it easy mate, your writing shows signs of ignorance, defamation and a lack of respect

the whole thing started as I saw a reputable reference on warming up engines, thought I would share it with everyone, though the lack of evidence I could find from the article, and many industry and drivers/riders culture norms of warming up an engine - has overturned these findings

and you say I'm a idiot?!, "giving it lots of revs/heavy load", I never recommended that, and I told everyone previously that I use to idle the Euro until the temperature gauge starts to move towards ideal operating levels. So... your doing it this way hey? "i just drive in first at 2000-2500 in my street till the needle starts to move, which is only a few mins" sounds like you start your engine, then instantly drive off, and crawling until the temperature gauge moves. Nice, just like what the article says.

and cracked pepper? what in the world are you on about? I hope your not telling us what your taking

the point is, the article may have claimed proven research findings, but it did not make sense, warming up an engine is important, but don't over do it, ideal way is moderate idling time, and a combination of ease driving at the beginning when engine is not up to ideal operating temperature yet.

[Mr_will]

Take it easy mate, your writing shows signs of ignorance, defamation and a lack of respect

the whole thing started as I saw a reputable reference on warming up engines, thought I would share it with everyone, though the lack of evidence I could find from the article, and many industry and drivers/riders culture norms of warming up an engine - has overturned these findings

and you say I'm a idiot?!, "giving it lots of revs/heavy load", I never recommended that, and I told everyone previously that I use to idle the Euro until the temperature gauge starts to move towards ideal operating levels. So... your doing it this way hey? "i just drive in first at 2000-2500 in my street till the needle starts to move, which is only a few mins" sounds like you start your engine, then instantly drive off, and crawling until the temperature gauge moves. Nice, just like what the article says.

and cracked pepper? what in the world are you on about? I hope your not telling us what your taking

the point is, the article may have claimed proven research findings, but it did not make sense, warming up an engine is important, but don't over do it, ideal way is moderate idling time, and a combination of ease driving at the beginning when engine is not up to ideal operating temperature yet.

a) i didnt call you an idiot, i called the person who compared warming a car to warming up muscles an idiot. you should try reading my post carefully before responding to it.

b) i dont need you to point out how you think my writing portrays me. obviously you have nothing better to do, but it only makes you look stupid.

c) no i dont drive off straight away. i like to have this little thing called 'oil pressure' before i start driving. it takes around 30-60secs to get max pressure

stop posting crap, and come back when you have something further to add here.

[rawr]

1 minute is enuf and then normal driving (shift at 3k? or round there) for about 10 minutes or until your temperature is normal

[Mr_will]

1 minute is enuf and then normal driving (shift at 3k? or round there) for about 10 minutes or until your temperature is normal

its not just low revs thats important, its low load as well.

eg not shifting to 2nd at 2000rpm and lugging the engine.

as long as youre not tuning onto a main road within the first few minutes of driving i find it easier just to stay in first or second so that its under very low load

[rawr]

its not just low revs thats important, its low load as well.

eg not shifting to 2nd at 2000rpm and lugging the engine.

as long as youre not tuning onto a main road within the first few minutes of driving i find it easier just to stay in first or second so that its under very low load

i did say shift at 3000 didnt i :P

[^__^ SM ^__^]

Everyone is talking about warming their cars in the morning. I am curious about how long should you warm it after you driven it and let it cool for about 2-3 hours, e.g. going shopping.

[string]

For me, long enough to put my shit away, put my seatbelt on and choose a song. Both for early morning, and after work/shopping or whatever. As long as you take it easy before you get to full temp, you're golden, and doing better than 90&#37; of people on the road (who's engines last plenty long as it is).

It seems that there's more damage done to engines by random bad luck than uninformed warmup procedures (obviously idiots who fang it from cold don't apply).

[^__^ SM ^__^]

In terms of taking it easy. I have an Auto and I give it enough throttle to make the auto gear change at 3-3.5K rpm. This is when the temp needle is at 1/4 the way up.. .not 1/2 way when it's fully warmed up.

Is this pushing the engine too hard?

[shadou]

I let it idle for 2 minutes in winter then drive off shifting at 3k.