Do you warm up your car (let it idle) before driving it on cold days?

[Smurfy]

I park in the garage, so even on the coldest days, my car only idles long enough for me to get my seatbelt and gloves on in the car and check my mirrors. SO, about 1 minute.

Are you one of those people who lets their car warm up in the driveway for a long time? It's nice to get into a toasty warm car. Driving in a cold car isnt fun for the driver.

well, here's an article about letting your car warm up. i was shocked to find out that in Toronto, it is illegal to let a car idle for more than 3 mins.

GM encourages motorists to warm up in their driveways - JSOnline

 

[PICK3]

I park in the garage, so even on the coldest days, my car only idles long enough for me to get my seatbelt and gloves on in the car and check my mirrors. SO, about 1 minute.

Are you one of those people who lets their car warm up in the driveway for a long time? It's nice to get into a toasty warm car. Driving in a cold car isnt fun for the driver.

well, here's an article about letting your car warm up. i was shocked to find out that in Toronto, it is illegal to let a car idle for more than 3 mins.

GM encourages motorists to warm up in their driveways - JSOnline

I "warm it up" with the transmission in drive and my foot on the brake for a very short period.

"Warming up" is more critical to automatic transmissions than the engine.

 

[chris302001]

depends if there is frost on the glass and how far I have to go. Also on the actual temperature outside. If it is below zero I let it idle no matter what. GM probably has a point. If you've ever turned on you car in the garage when it is frigid cold, you can smell how rich the mixture is and how much "stuff" is coming out of the tail pipe compared with when it is warm outside. Then again, if you are driving only a mile or so, it probably wouldnt make a difference.

I was wondering the other day about hybrids that automatically turn off the gas engine when you stop moving, can you idle them in the morning???

 

[ortiz34]

yes, let the oils build up for a minute at least smurf.
You don't want to start it cold and just drive away in a second, that's not good for the powertrain.

 

[PICK3]

yes, let the oils build up for a minute at least smurf.
You don't want to start it cold and just drive away in a second, that's not good for the powertrain.

In the Yaris I light the fire then turn the tires

 

[PICK3]

I was wondering the other day about hybrids that automatically turn off the gas engine when you stop moving, can you idle them in the morning???

It cold starts via the gas engine, then it shuts off.

 

[PhoenixS]

I park in the garage, so even on the coldest days, my car only idles long enough for me to get my seatbelt and gloves on in the car and check my mirrors. SO, about 1 minute.

Are you one of those people who lets their car warm up in the driveway for a long time? It's nice to get into a toasty warm car. Driving in a cold car isnt fun for the driver.

well, here's an article about letting your car warm up. i was shocked to find out that in Toronto, it is illegal to let a car idle for more than 3 mins.

GM encourages motorists to warm up in their driveways - JSOnline

same here..I get situated and then I take off.

 

[digimon7068]

I park in the garage, so even on the coldest days, my car only idles long enough for me to get my seatbelt and gloves on in the car and check my mirrors. SO, about 1 minute.

Are you one of those people who lets their car warm up in the driveway for a long time? It's nice to get into a toasty warm car. Driving in a cold car isnt fun for the driver.

well, here's an article about letting your car warm up. i was shocked to find out that in Toronto, it is illegal to let a car idle for more than 3 mins.

GM encourages motorists to warm up in their driveways - JSOnline

as discussed in the article, engines do run more efficiently (and emit less pollutants) when they are warmed to proper operating temperature. . .however, when your engine is cold, the computer gives it more gas and less oxygen (it used to be called "choking" the engine, before computers came along and did the job for you) and, on a very cold day, if you start up the engine and let it idle, where it's not under operating stress (pushing the car around), a lot of the fuel ends up not getting burned. . .and some of the unspent fuel ends up in your crankcase. . .and dilutes your oil, which increases engine wear.

i don't let my car idle. . .i fire it up and i drive. . .the engine temperature comes up much quicker when the engine is actually working, and it's better for the overall life of your engine. . .my $.02.

 

[empirebuilder]

I would be in trouble I have literally let my car run for over a half hour but now that gas is worth more than most precious metals ill just warm it up for ten or so minutes! By the way last week it was 5 below actual temp one morning so yes its cold out!

 

[kx250rider]

For regular gas engines, I let them warm up for at least 30 seconds, and I don't put my foot in it too hard for the first few minutes of driving. BUT, on my turbo-Diesel, I let it warm up for 1 minute at least (even in hot weather), and then I drive like Grandma for the first couple miles. A turbo is very delicate with temperatures, and it will crack if you heat it up too fast. Also, you must idle the engine for at least 30 seconds before shutting it off, or the same will happen (exhaust turbine housing can crack). Most all turbocharged cars & trucks have a warning sticker about that, and many have automatic cool-down timers which will run the engine up to 3 minutes or so, after you shut the key off and lock the car. I've heard people whining about having to get their turbos rebuilt at 20K miles, but the one in my '85 Toyota Diesel pickup has 212K miles, and isn't cracked, and the bearings are still fine.

Charles