How long do you warm up your car for?
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Jerzy
04 CLK 320 > CLK32K
How long do you warm up your car for?
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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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.
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C63s Cabriolet, BMW M4, Civic
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. ?
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.
Last edited by Klinh; Dec 30, 2010 at 11:54 AM.
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From: Murfreesboro, TN
SRT-6
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.
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From: Sweden
Mercedes CLK 320 W209
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?
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From: NJ,USA
'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.
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Jerzy
04 CLK 320 > CLK32K
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From: Atlanta, GA
19 C300
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
I Let her warm a few minutes to get everything flowing then off I go
Last edited by EuroTra$H; Dec 30, 2010 at 10:52 PM.
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From: Oakland
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
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CLS550 4Matic
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!
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!
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'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!
Guess it's a bad time to mention that it's 80* again here today eh?HAPPY NEW YEAR!
