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-   -   PSA: Don't "warm up" your car by idling! (https://www.revscene.net/forums/599044-psa-dont-warm-up-your-car-idling.html)

sonick 12-08-2009 03:47 PM

PSA: Don't "warm up" your car by idling!
 
Edit: I may have caused some confusion with throwing in "Cold weather". In retrospect, more accurately what I'm trying to say is to "not warm up the engine by idling regardless of temperature."

I'm not talking about warming up the car's interior or defrosting the windows, but the actual warming up of the engine, engine fluids and drivetrain.

Original post:

Not sure if this is common knowledge for those who know about cars, but in case there's some people out there who don't know about this...

Since the weather is getting colder, I've noticed my neighbours and friends "warming up" their engines and cooling system by idling in their driveway for 5 to 10 minutes before driving away.

Although they have good intentions and think this is good for the engine, in actuality it is NOT. Warming up the engine by idling is bad as it merely warms up specific parts of the engine and not the entire engine and all it's components (bearings, transmission, differential).

It can also cause unnecessary excessive wear to the engine block as moisture condenses in the cylinders instead of evaporating/burning off due to the temperature mis-match.

The best way to start your engines is to let it run in idle for 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the oil pressure up and flowing, then drive gently; i.e. keep it in the low RPMs. Once the water temp hits normal, THEN drive normally.

Personally, I wait a few more minutes after the water temp hits operating range before pushing it, to ensure oil temperature is also in operating range.

TheSalesman 12-08-2009 03:58 PM

Well sometimes i HAVE to idle it for a few minutes because my windows are all frosted. If the windows arn't frosted up, i just start it and go right away.

!Yaminashi 12-08-2009 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSalesman (Post 6718969)
Well sometimes i HAVE to idle it for a few minutes because my windows are all frosted. If the windows arn't frosted up, i just start it and go right away.

You could get out and scrape the frost off?

Gh0stRider 12-08-2009 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach Hines (Post 6718975)
You could get out and scrape the frost off?

That is unheard of!

roastpuff 12-08-2009 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach Hines (Post 6718975)
You could get out and scrape the frost off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRD604 (Post 6718986)
That is unheard of!

I bought my friend an ice scraper/snow brush, because he didn't have one and would have to wait for his windows to clear before driving.

He was very happy with the present. :thumbsup:

TheSalesman 12-08-2009 04:22 PM

its too cold outside!

!Aznboi128 12-08-2009 04:25 PM

I start it with my compustar pro, get to my car within a min and then drive off. Works wellas the heated seats get some time to warm before I climb in.
Posted via RS Mobile

GLOW 12-08-2009 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach Hines (Post 6718975)
You could get out and scrape the frost off?

after i scrape it off, the windows start to fog up, so i still need time it to clear up or else i'd be driving blind. i've seen ppl do that before on their old cars. practically have to stick their head out their window like a dog to see lol

TheSalesman 12-08-2009 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW (Post 6719026)
after i scrape it off, the windows start to fog up, so i still need time it to clear up or else i'd be driving blind. i've seen ppl do that before on their old cars. practically have to stick their head out their window like a dog to see lol

that also happens to me.

Mugen EvOlutioN 12-08-2009 04:55 PM

auto start for the win

shenmecar 12-08-2009 04:56 PM

My clutch releases slower when its cold.

vexor 12-08-2009 05:01 PM

I let it warm up until the rpms drop from 1500 to about 900 just after starting it... usually happens within 2 minutes

ilvtofu 12-08-2009 05:06 PM

I'm just wondering if warming up your car by idling is actually bad if your only intention is to warm up the interior of the car ie. butt warmers,defrost etc.

If you warm up the interior and then drive away after say 2 or 3 mins like a REGULAR person wouldn't that not cause any more damage than not idling the car for 2 or 3 mins?

sonick 12-08-2009 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilvtofu (Post 6719081)
I'm just wondering if warming up your car by idling is actually bad if your only intention is to warm up the interior of the car ie. butt warmers,defrost etc.

If you warm up the interior and then drive away after say 2 or 3 mins like a REGULAR person wouldn't that not cause any more damage than not idling the car for 2 or 3 mins?

If the engine is not warm how would the interior be warm?
Posted via RS Mobile

AVS_Racing 12-08-2009 05:44 PM

meh thats what auto starts for

PiuYi 12-08-2009 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shenmecar (Post 6719063)
My clutch releases slower when its cold.

same... i dont kno if its releasing slower or whatever but it feels different when its cold vs. after 10min of driving
anyone kno y?

jeff_alexander 12-08-2009 07:49 PM

My gearbox is clunky when it's cold, doesn't like to go into gear, after 15 minutes of driving, it becomes much more smoother.

Gh0stRider 12-08-2009 07:59 PM

i usually warm up for 1-2 mins before driving off.

could always put something on your windshield to prevent it from frosting up. I've seen some people use cardboard.

!SG 12-08-2009 08:12 PM

yup, i autostart for a few minutes, then hop in the car, and drive off slowly.

its not like i idle for a few minutes then race off!

ilvtofu 12-08-2009 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonick (Post 6719118)
If the engine is not warm how would the interior be warm?
Posted via RS Mobile

I don't know what car you drive but my engine does warm up when I idle in the morning because it is moving...

!Yaminashi 12-08-2009 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLOW (Post 6719026)
after i scrape it off, the windows start to fog up, so i still need time it to clear up or else i'd be driving blind. i've seen ppl do that before on their old cars. practically have to stick their head out their window like a dog to see lol

Your windows would surely defog before all the frost on your windows melts off
It takes all of 10 seconds to scrape your front window, right?

Wow you guys are lazy:p

1exotic 12-08-2009 08:29 PM

I'm sure its tempting for people with Turbo/BOV not to rev to hear that shit spoolz'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffj01k64AZI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HblCE...eature=related

hk20000 12-08-2009 08:31 PM

^ if you OWN that car you'll get bored very soon.

Lomac 12-08-2009 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilvtofu (Post 6719338)
I don't know what car you drive but my engine does warm up when I idle in the morning because it is moving...

Yes... but because the RPM's are merely in the 900-1500 rpm range, it takes faaaaaaaaaaar longer for the engine to warm up than if the car was actually driving down the road. As such, physically driving the car warms up the interior much faster than just idling.

Eff-1 12-08-2009 08:57 PM

lol I remember a few years back, i'd walk out, start the engine, crank up the heater/defrost, and go back inside. come back out 5 mins later, jump in and drive off. windows are defrosted and car is warm inside.


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