just wondering.. how long is adequate to let the car idle when first starting it up.

i usually just let her idle for about 5 mins..

 

excessive idling is harmful.30-45 seconds then i keep it under 2k till its fully warmed up.

 

1-2 minutes for me and then i go easy on it till it gets up in temp.

 

i just start and go.... with both of my cars. i dont' worry about it too much... i was told not to just let it sit and idle. just let it idle long enough to get the oil circulated. just my thought

 

I let it idle about as long as it takes to turn the key and put it in reverse. But then again I live in Florida and boy its cold out today 60 #$%^&* degrees

 

Harmful? How so? You make it sound like shooting yourself in the foot.

 

above 50° = 5 sec.
33° - 49° = 20-30 sec.
under 32° = 1min. +


I keep the car under 2500rpm until the needle starts to move

I don't really get on it unless it is fully warmed up

 

I let it warm up to normal running temp, that's when the pistons stop slaping. if I don't the piston's really start to rattle but G.M. say's piston slap is normal.

 

start and go

 

you want gases at startup out your exhaust as soon as possible.you dont want that crap building up on your plugs.its less wear on a motor if you let it warm up by driving it instead of idling it.the days of needing to let a car warmup before you drive them are long gone.

 

I usually start the car up before fastening the seat belt, then back the car from the garage to the street, then drive to the intersection at the end of the street.

Takes about 30-45 seconds and the car doesn't see over 1500 rpms. I guess that's my warm-up...

Not that I'll stomp on it right away after that, but still.

TS

 

So u guys are saying that letting it warm up just doesnt help? Or is it actually hard on it? And how does the vehicle moving affect the flow of the exhaust anyway? thanks

 

Ok I think the guys in TX and FLA can leave
this one alone, we get it its hot down there.

Harmful? You mean like cold oil and tranny fluid.

I let mine sit for 5 minutes when its under 40.
If the water temp is to cold to register the parking
brake stays on. I hate the way it drives like I'm in
too low of gear when it isn't fully warmed up.
You know you shift and as soon as the clutch is
let out it pulls back like you went down a gear.

 

For those who like to drive there car hard, Remember: The tranny and rearend need too warm up too.

 

yes and believe it or not susp. components need warming up too.


you only need a brief moment to let the fluids circulate then you can go.