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Waiting for the car to warm up

Circlenaut

Circlenaut

Platinum Member
I've always just taken my father's advice and wait for the engine's RPM to go down to 1000. I've recently moved into a student only apartment complex in Florida. My 1995 Subaru Legacy stands out in the sea of 2005+ hondas/civics/bmws etc.

So night as I'm waiting for the car to warm up, headed towards the grocery store some douche next to me walks in front of my car gives me a look, gets into his (right next to mine), turns on and immediately bolts out. WTF is wrong with some people.

I'd move this to the garage forum, but your (question) has already been answered multiple times. 4 minutes??! In Florida?! In the summer??! (Your father was wrong) -Anandtech Moderator DrPizza
 
If you live in Florida, there is probably no need to "warm up" your engine. You shouldn't accelerate hard until the engine is up to temp, but waiting longer than a second or two is just wasting time and gas.
 
I'm usually in the car for a good 4 minutes. You know Mix that makes sense. I used to live in MA when my dad told me. I always though it was to lubricate the engine.
 
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Why was the other person a douche? And why would you need to warm-up your car in FL during the summer?
Click to expand...

Because people that give you a dirty look are douches?
 
It's not a bad idea to let the car warm up. It protects the engine and will make it last longer. Having said that, modern engines are very well manufactured and it's not likely that failing to warm your car up will cause any problems until many years into the life of the car. I generally don't bother personally, although I always did with my old 1970 Ford Falcon (302 Cleveland) and 1979 Escort panelvan.
 
Originally posted by: Pippy
I'm usually in the car for a good 4 minutes. You know Mix that makes sense. I used to live in MA when my dad told me. I always though it was to lubricate the engine.
Click to expand...

You do it to get the engine parts warm so they expand to the correct tolerances before you put any load on the engine. It's not related to the RPM drop, which happens when the engine is warm enough to use a leaner fuel mixture than the startup mix.
 
Originally posted by: Pippy
Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Why was the other person a douche? And why would you need to warm-up your car in FL during the summer?
Click to expand...

Because people that give you a dirty look are douches?
Click to expand...


Maybe he was just looking at you in confusion, or fear of you. Why would you warm your car for 4 minutes? I think the manual for my truck says 45 seconds. I don't wait that long.
 
Originally posted by: Pippy
I'm usually in the car for a good 4 minutes. You know Mix that makes sense. I used to live in MA when my dad told me. I always though it was to lubricate the engine.
Click to expand...

4 minutes? you're not serious right? I don't even idle half that long in the winter.
 
Originally posted by: Pippy
I'm usually in the car for a good 4 minutes. You know Mix that makes sense. I used to live in MA when my dad told me. I always though it was to lubricate the engine.
Click to expand...

Modern cars(including yours) don't need 4 minutes to warm-up. When the engine light goes off, you're good to go.
 
I have an S-10 ZR2 with the 4.3L V6. It doesnt go above 1000 RPM unless I am on the highway and manually shove it into first gear.
Also for warm up, my Viper alarm system has remote start. I never wait for it to warm up.
 
Originally posted by: shortylickens
I have an S-10 ZR2 with the 4.3L V6. It doesnt go above 1000 RPM unless I am on the highway and manually shove it into first gear.
Also for warm up, my Viper alarm system has remote start. I never wait for it to warm up.
Click to expand...

Your RPM gauge isn't working properly then. It idles at probably 700rpm and is likely at least 1700rpm or 1800rpm at 60mph.
 
I warm my car up for about a minute. I figure that's a good amount of time to get the oil fully circulated. I used to roll a cigarette while I warmed the car. Now I turn on my MP3 player, and find a good song.
 
Originally posted by: Pippy
I've always just taken my father's advice and wait for the engine's RPM to go down to 1000. I've recently moved into a student only apartment complex in Florida. My 1995 Subaru Legacy stands out in the sea of 2005+ hondas/civics/bmws etc.

So night as I'm waiting for the car to warm up, headed towards the grocery store some douche next to me walks in front of my car gives me a look, gets into his (right next to mine), turns on and immediately bolts out. WTF is wrong with some people.
Click to expand...

He was probably late for a Lawn Darts game.

:music: Livin' on the edge! :music:
 
Oh no. Not again.

Long: Gently drive your car until it warms up. It will warm up faster, use less gas, etc. Just don't be redlining it when it's -20 degrees outside without warmup.

Short: Modern automobiles don't need a warm up period.
 
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