How long do you warm up your car for?

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 10:51 AM

I usually let the car warm up until one notch on the temp gauge is darkened. The time this takes varies on the temp outside. I have been reading that there have been studies the past few years that say warming up your car too much can cause premature engine wear. I have read about people (with MBs specifically) waiting until the idle drops and taking off, then moderately driving the car until it reaches a good temp. Some people never let it warm up for more than 3 minutes. How long do all you guys warm it up for? Am I letting it warm up too much?

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ohlord · 12-30-2010, 11:15 AM

it and drive off.If you live in an area of extreme cold you already know about block heaters and pre heaters.So I'm thinking it must not be all that cold where you live.Get in and go,it will come to temp quicker and avoid the prolonged idle issues.

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 11:36 AM

Good to know. It's not crazy cold here, probably 30s-40s.

M-bENZ · 12-30-2010, 11:40 AM

I usually let it warms for like 2 mins then take off.

Andy

Klinh · 12-30-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynomite05

I have been reading that there have been studies the past few years that say warming up your car too much can cause premature engine wear.

I have read about people (with MBs specifically) waiting until the idle drops and taking off, then moderately driving the car until it reaches a good temp. ?

Yup and premature wear on the CATs too. Remember, engine run too cold too long and too hot too long cause the most wear on the engine. Our engine need to run at around 80c to 90c.

For me, I only waited until the idle drops then take off with moderately driving the car until it reach the half mark. That's what the user's manual said to do. We really should do what the manufacturers are recommended. After all, they designed and tested their cars.

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 11:52 AM

Cool, thanks Klinh. I just shaved some time off my commute.

Kreuzfeuer · 12-30-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klinh

For me, I only waited until the idle drops then take off with moderately driving the car until it reach the half mark.

This.....

sinister55 · 12-30-2010, 12:59 PM

I wait for the idle to drop, then 10 secs later i go

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 01:53 PM

lol, I was actually considering the MidCity remote starter.

wazv6 · 12-30-2010, 02:10 PM

Hmmm. I warm my car up for at least 5min or so. Based on this thread I'm over doing it ?

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 02:10 PM

lol, surprised...eh? Me too.

Kreuzfeuer · 12-30-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazv6

Hmmm. I warm my car up for at least 5min or so. Based on this thread I'm over doing it ?

I don't think five minutes on the coldest mornings will hurt you.

For the record, my car was glazed in ice/snow mixture last week, as was the windshield and wipers. I allowed a little extra run time just to free up everything so I could gently scrape it, and off I went.

mikata · 12-30-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazv6

Hmmm. I warm my car up for at least 5min or so. Based on this thread I'm over doing it ?

Hehe, in late november when it's little bit colder I'm warming up my car for maybe 10 min

I don't drive the car in the winter but I take it out of the garage for some idle running once every 2 weeks. When I do that, I usually wait for the temp to reach 80-90 before I take it in again. Maybe that's not such a good idea?

clkwork · 12-30-2010, 02:40 PM

I wait about 4 months or so until the weather warms up.

Just kidding, start it and go but keep the RPMs low until the engine is up to temp.

FastDonzi · 12-30-2010, 03:46 PM

when out in the freezing temps i leave it for 5 min. in the garage about a min. the c63 has an oil temp gauge.when the oil temp is around 40F it takes around 4-5 min. to reach 100F.i dont like to go before it reaches 100 unless im in a rush.

ahmadk · 12-30-2010, 04:19 PM

i usually let it warm for aproximatly 2 mins ...

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDonzi

when out in the freezing temps i leave it for 5 min. in the garage about a min. the c63 has an oil temp gauge.when the oil temp is around 40F it takes around 4-5 min. to reach 100F.i dont like to go before it reaches 100 unless im in a rush.

Convenient.

Newjd2 · 12-30-2010, 05:26 PM

Two words....Vegas Weather...lol...

Angelo

dynomite05 · 12-30-2010, 08:45 PM

Two words, HA HA!

M-bENZ · 12-30-2010, 08:50 PM

lol @ HA HA . Two minutes are good enough guys.

Andy

EuroTra$H · 12-30-2010, 10:48 PM

My car is garaged so generally speaking I just start and go.... If I have to park outside in the cold for any extended time and it is cold ( rarely gets below 40 here)
I Let her warm a few minutes to get everything flowing then off I go

drawde · 12-30-2010, 11:30 PM

About the same, start and go. Usually on a cold start I'll be around 1k-1.5k RPM, i'll wait until it drops a notch (< 1 min) and I'm on my way.

lowpost · 12-31-2010, 12:41 AM

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/2052/win...ing-up-the-car

Clkboi · 12-31-2010, 01:00 AM

I let it warm until i get 3 lines on my temp gauge.

When the car is cold it takes off so quick and gears barely change?!

After reading this it seems like i am doing more bad than good to my vehicle.
Good to know really!

Kevwood · 12-31-2010, 03:46 AM

I start mine up and let it run for about 2 minutes until the AC has the cabin nice and cool, then I leave...

Guess it's a bad time to mention that it's 80* again here today eh?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12-30-2010, 11:15 AM	#2
ohlord MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 6,167 Drives: 300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.	Best to start it and drive off.If you live in an area of extreme cold you already know about block heaters and pre heaters.So I'm thinking it must not be all that cold where you live.Get in and go,it will come to temp quicker and avoid the prolonged idle issues. __________________ 00-02 drivers side heated self dimming mirror glass O2 sensors plug and play 17mm special spark plug boot tool Spring loaded u joint spark plug socket 722.6 transmission dipstick W210 W124 parts Cryo rotors Brake pads F.S. Cognomen is in homage to the late great Janis Joplin "Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz"

12-30-2010, 11:36 AM	#3
dynomite05 Out Of Control!! 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class My Garage Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jerzy Posts: 10,263 Drives: 04 CLK 320 > CLK32K	Good to know. It's not crazy cold here, probably 30s-40s. __________________ Project CLK32K List Of Mods & Pics True Dual Cold Start Sound Clip

12-30-2010, 11:40 AM	#4
M-bENZ MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7,120 Drives: 04 CLK 320 (Gone) , 01 GS 300 "Plat. Series", 05 CLK500 & 89 EF-Si	I usually let it warms for like 2 mins then take off. Andy __________________ Andy

12-30-2010, 11:52 AM	#6
dynomite05 Out Of Control!! 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class My Garage Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jerzy Posts: 10,263 Drives: 04 CLK 320 > CLK32K	Cool, thanks Klinh. I just shaved some time off my commute. __________________ Project CLK32K List Of Mods & Pics True Dual Cold Start Sound Clip

12-30-2010, 01:53 PM	#9
dynomite05 Out Of Control!! 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class My Garage Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jerzy Posts: 10,263 Drives: 04 CLK 320 > CLK32K	lol, I was actually considering the MidCity remote starter. __________________ Project CLK32K List Of Mods & Pics True Dual Cold Start Sound Clip

12-30-2010, 12:59 PM	#8
sinister55 Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 367 Drives: C55 AMG, Mazda Cx-7, Nissan 240sx	I wait for the idle to drop, then 10 secs later i go

12-30-2010, 02:10 PM	#10
wazv6 Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New York City Posts: 235 Drives: CLK 500	Hmmm. I warm my car up for at least 5min or so. Based on this thread I'm over doing it ? __________________

12-30-2010, 02:10 PM	#11
dynomite05 Out Of Control!! 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class My Garage Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jerzy Posts: 10,263 Drives: 04 CLK 320 > CLK32K	lol, surprised...eh? Me too. __________________ Project CLK32K List Of Mods & Pics True Dual Cold Start Sound Clip

12-30-2010, 02:40 PM	#14
clkwork MBWorld Fanatic! 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Newport News, VA, USA Posts: 1,226 Drives: CLK63 Black Series	I wait about 4 months or so until the weather warms up. Just kidding, start it and go but keep the RPMs low until the engine is up to temp. __________________ 2012 VW Golf R 1999 Chevrolet Corvette 1989 BMW 325i 2002 GSX-R 750 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series (sold) 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (sold)

12-30-2010, 03:46 PM	#15
FastDonzi Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NJ,USA Posts: 604 Drives: '10 c63,'03expedition,ducati999,22'Donzi	when out in the freezing temps i leave it for 5 min. in the garage about a min. the c63 has an oil temp gauge.when the oil temp is around 40F it takes around 4-5 min. to reach 100F.i dont like to go before it reaches 100 unless im in a rush.

12-30-2010, 04:19 PM	#16
ahmadk MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: A Lebanese in Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,313 Drives: 08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS	i usually let it warm for aproximatly 2 mins ... __________________ - Ahmad K -

12-30-2010, 05:26 PM	#18
Newjd2 Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 737 Drives: 2004 CLK 500, 2004 Honda Civic	Two words....Vegas Weather...lol... Angelo __________________ 2004 CLK 500 ..#2..

12-30-2010, 08:45 PM	#19
dynomite05 Out Of Control!! 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class My Garage Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jerzy Posts: 10,263 Drives: 04 CLK 320 > CLK32K	Two words, HA HA! __________________ Project CLK32K List Of Mods & Pics True Dual Cold Start Sound Clip

12-30-2010, 08:50 PM	#20
M-bENZ MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 7,120 Drives: 04 CLK 320 (Gone) , 01 GS 300 "Plat. Series", 05 CLK500 & 89 EF-Si	lol @ HA HA . Two minutes are good enough guys. Andy __________________ Andy

12-30-2010, 10:48 PM	#21
EuroTra$H Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 357 Drives: 05 CLK500	My car is garaged so generally speaking I just start and go.... If I have to park outside in the cold for any extended time and it is cold ( rarely gets below 40 here) I Let her warm a few minutes to get everything flowing then off I go __________________ Livin the Dream Last edited by EuroTra$H; 12-30-2010 at 10:52 PM.

12-30-2010, 11:30 PM	#22
drawde Super Member 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 909 Drives: 2009 C63	About the same, start and go. Usually on a cold start I'll be around 1k-1.5k RPM, i'll wait until it drops a notch (< 1 min) and I'm on my way. __________________ Tapatalk on MBWorld << TAPATALK USERS PLEASE SHOW SUPPORT ! 2009 Steel Grey C63 - Grey/Black AMG Leather [x] 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector [x] Evosport Painted Side Markers [x] Eurocharged ECU Tune [x] BMC Air Filters [x] 20% Window Tint [ ] Charcoal Filter Delete

12-31-2010, 03:46 AM	#25
Kevwood MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Posts: 4,761 Drives: '05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)	I start mine up and let it run for about 2 minutes until the AC has the cabin nice and cool, then I leave... Guess it's a bad time to mention that it's 80* again here today eh? HAPPY NEW YEAR! __________________ KLEEMANN< Kleemann supercharger, cams, headers & tune \| H&R springs & sways \| Koni suspension Brembo GT BBK, 6/4 pot, floating composite rotors \| GPT pulley \| Magnecor KV85 wires Carbon fiber; vented hood, Vorsteiner spoiler, diffuser, front lip and custom side vents Quaife LSD \| Magnaflow quad exhaust w/ 100 cell cats \| E55K airbox w/ kevlar tubes AMG Black Series strut bars \| 360 Forged wheels, carbon fiber \| eXce1on AV system Mods/build thread

12-31-2010, 12:41 AM	#23
lowpost MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oakland Posts: 1,027 Drives: 2009 GL450 . 2004 CLK 500 . 2001 4.4 X5 (SOLD)	http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/2052/win...ing-up-the-car __________________

12-31-2010, 01:00 AM	#24
Clkboi MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,983 Drives: 2006 CLK 350	I let it warm until i get 3 lines on my temp gauge. When the car is cold it takes off so quick and gears barely change?! After reading this it seems like i am doing more bad than good to my vehicle. Good to know really! __________________ www.YourMunky.com

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