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If you have a car, do you let it warm up for...

A minute or two? ( before using it) I was always under the impression to do that, hot or cold temps outside, to give engine a moment to run. Then once my friend did it too..she said, Im just giving it a minute to warm up ( her dad is a mechanic). But I see many just start it and go in one second. 🤔

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Ontheroad · M

Years ago that was especially true but now with the advanced synthetic oils it's less important... still a good idea, but synthetic oils tend to cling to surface inside the engine better than the old, strictly petroleum based oils.

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Whyme · 46-50, M

@Ontheroad you are bullshitting and you know it

Ontheroad · M

@Whyme Why would I B.S. someone about something like this? Get a grip. There is a lot of evidence, both scientific and pure evidence based to prove what I wrote. Even with that, I did say it's still a good idea to let it warm up, just not as important as it used to be with petroleum based oils. So yeah, take a deep breath and relax.

Whyme · 46-50, M

@Ontheroad modern engines are either overhead cam or roller lifter both of which are very low wear and flat tappet engines do better with high zync content mineral oil like shell rotella the only time your theory would work is a brigs n stratton strictly splash system like a lawn mower

CestManan · 46-50, F

Whether it is necessary or not to warm it up, people will argue for days. I see this argument all the time on car forums.

Let me put it like this - In winter, you definitely should give it a minute, at least for the first start of the day.
In warmer weather OR if the car is already warm from having just ran a few minutes ago, maybe give it about 10 to 15 seconds so things can stabilize.

No matter what though, letting things warm up is NOT going to hurt.

MarineBob · 56-60, M

gets the fluids moving more easily

ArishMell · 70-79, M

That practice goes back a long way.

Modern cars using modern grades of fuels and lubricating oils are much less prone to need their engines "warming up"; but you might still need wait for the engine to generate enough heat for the internal heater and demister to be any use.

Beatbox34 · 31-35, M

Usually warming up makes sense. The fluids move about and revving a cold engine could do more harm.

Vehicles with turbos specifically require a warm-up for the turbos and when you turn the car off, you need to let it idle for a minute or so before.

Eddiesolds · 61-69, M

If im in a hurry , i dont let it run and warm up.I think in winter is more important. Everything is frozen. Gosh i cant beleive im talking about winter and the freezing cold. Lmfao! So gross!

Whyme · 46-50, M

Not sure its as important with modern engines but metal will still expand with temperature

rfatoday · 61-69, M

I believe the engine management computer in today's vehicles will adjust the idle engine speed as needed to assure a sufficient "warm-up" period. Mine idles high for a minute or so then settles down to normal idle speed. I'd say start your car, fasten your seat belt, then drive. Many emergency vehicles (gasoline powered) are put into immediate action from a cold start without warm-up.

CestManan · 46-50, F

@rfatoday

Many emergency vehicles (gasoline powered) are put into immediate action from a cold start without warm-up.

That is different though. One is because the driver doesn't own it and has little reason to care.
Two is because they do not have time to be gentle on their vehicles.

Boleuskas · M

I was always told to just start it and go, but a lot of people are doing as you are

Iwillwait · M

I do give it a moment to run, and get the components time to lubricate.

Majorlatency · M

Absolutely, maybe 30 seconds or so in the summer heat and a couple of minutes in the winter. I appreciate new lubricant technology has minimized the need but it does take a little time (longer when cold) for the oil to pressurize and coat all the bearings, lifters etc in the engine.
That and regular oil and filter changes prolong an engines operational life..

SageWanderer · 70-79, M

I got into the habit with my old VW beetles as they were cooled by oil fed through an air cooler. An old book I had said to let it run approximately the time to roll a cigarette (joint?) before moving. Now I start the engine before fastening my seatbelt and check mirrors before moving.

Byron8by7 · M

In warmer weather, I start my car and go immediately. In cold weather, i.e., 15 F or colder, I let it run for a minute or so, and then I go. Sometimes, when my windshield is covered with ice, I turn the window defroster on full blast and let the engine run for a few minutes to clear the windshield.

Whyme · 46-50, M

Everyone seems locked in on oil , i dont think thats the reason in my opinion engines consist of different metals all of which expand and contract with temperature at different rates so better to start the process under the Least stress possible

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@Whyme You must be good with cars!

stratosranger · M

No need with modern cars. But I do start it, lock the doors. get buckled up, put on whatever play list I want to listen to, turn off the auto start, check my mirrors and then go.

ninalanyon · 61-69, T

No, I use the app to start the heater ten minutes before going out in the winter.

:-)

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ninalanyon · 61-69, T

@ArishMell It used to be the case that many factory car parks had a post with a mains socket at every parking space. But the advent lightweight aluminium engines that warm up rapidly meant that they really weren't necessary. It's a pity that electric cars didn't arrive sooner, Norway had the infrastructure and scrapped it. I did have one car with an engine block heater but I only used it on the very coldest days. The heater is just a small immersion heater. You break out a plug in the engine block and press fit the heater.

Defa used to make diesel fuelled block heaters too with timers.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@ninalanyon Certainly more sophisticated than a photograph I remember seeing from Russia, I think, of a row of lorries standing with their engines over small open fires (presumably in steel trays to protect them from the snow). Their drivers were in a group to one side, chatting among themselves while their vehicles warmed up.

ninalanyon · 61-69, T

@ArishMell That still happens I believe if they use poor quality diesel fuel, if it gets too cold it won't flow so you have to light a fire under the fuel tank. In Norway I have been told that the diesel fuel that is sold in the winter has a different formulation compared to what is used in the summer so as to avoid that problem.

Jamesy · 41-45, M

You will prolong the life of the engine by doing that and an oil change twice a year at least .good girl.

Thevy29 · 41-45, M

Technically I had a car. But since I never reported it stolen, in my heart its still mine.

Whyme · 46-50, M

@Thevy29 if i had a vote this would get best comment

SinlessOnslaught · 26-30, M

I just start and go but I also tried to use my car keys to unlock my refrigerator.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@SinlessOnslaught LOL!

I know the feeling....

I've occasionally arrived home, locked the car then caught myself trying to use the same radio fob to unlock the house door. Occasionally a "Click" from behind me reminds me I've only unlocked the car instead.

As for fridges.... don't tempt 'em. Some manufacturers are already cramming them with all sorts of meretricious "electronickery" to help sell them to the gullible and/or gadget-conscious!