dynomite05

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?

ohlord

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

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

M-bENZ

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

Andy

Klinh

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

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

Kreuzfeuer

This.....

sinister55

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

dynomite05

lol, I was actually considering the MidCity remote starter.

wazv6

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

dynomite05

lol, surprised...eh? Me too.

Kreuzfeuer

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

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

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

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

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

dynomite05

Convenient.

Newjd2

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



Angelo

dynomite05

Two words, HA HA!

M-bENZ

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

Andy

EuroTra$H

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

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

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

Clkboi

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

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!