Warming up in winter, best approach?

[Marko]

I've heard 2 conflicting theories and I'd like to get peoples' thoughts on which approach is best (ie which will cause the least wear and tear and prolong my engine life).

1) Always idle your car for a few minutes before driving, because the engine has to work harder to move the car than to simply idle, and the harder the engine has to work while it's cold, the more wear and tear is happening.

2) Since the most wear occurs while the engine is cold, your goal should be to warm up the engine as quickly as possible. And since an engine warms up quicker if it's being driven than if it's idling, it's best to start driving right away rather than letting it idle for a few minutes.

Which of those two theories is more accurate (on modern cars)?

Also feel free to add any other tips for winter. One I know is don't turn your heater on for at least a few minutes because it will take longer for your engine to warm up (and it'll just blow cold air anyways while the engine is cold). Also don't drive hard until the engine warms up (I keep it under 2k rpm until the temp needle is reaches normal).

[vdk]

So you got an M3 with variable rpm limiter?

[Marko]

err huh???

I have no idea what you mean.

[2hondas1BMW]

I usually wait till the rpms go to 1500 at idle (usually takes 1 or 2 mins)...then drive the car, but taking it easy until it warms up.

[gta_driver]

Using a full synthetic oil in winter also helps. It flows much better then conventional oil in cold temperatures. It'll provide better protection to critical engine parts and help the engine come up to optimum operating temperature faster.

[ovr50]

Start it, let it idle no more than a minute, then drive off slowly. Avoid rapid acceleration until warm.

Do not let it sit and idle for 5 minutes or so.

[Roddy]

I've heard 2 conflicting theories and I'd like to get peoples' thoughts on which approach is best (ie which will cause the least wear and tear and prolong my engine life).

1) Always idle your car for a few minutes before driving, because the engine has to work harder to move the car than to simply idle, and the harder the engine has to work while it's cold, the more wear and tear is happening.

2) Since the most wear occurs while the engine is cold, your goal should be to warm up the engine as quickly as possible. And since an engine warms up quicker if it's being driven than if it's idling, it's best to start driving right away rather than letting it idle for a few minutes.

Which of those two theories is more accurate (on modern cars)?

Also feel free to add any other tips for winter. One I know is don't turn your heater on for at least a few minutes because it will take longer for your engine to warm up (and it'll just blow cold air anyways while the engine is cold). Also don't drive hard until the engine warms up (I keep it under 2k rpm until the temp needle is reaches normal).

Number two is unquestionably the more accurate answer. Idling is very hard on engines and does not help them warm up very fast at all. If you want to take good care of your engine simply plug it in on cold days and drive it moderately for the first few miles after starting it.

[tpl]

When it is REALLY cold  < -20 C then idle for 2 minutes max and drive gently for a couple of km. Otherwise just drive off gently.

2 minutes is the time it takes to get comfortable, put the seat belt on, adjust the seat heater and the radio.

[dr_spock]

Helps too if you can park it indoors instead of outdoors. 

[Roddy]

Helps too if you can park it indoors instead of outdoors. 

True although if it's in a heated garage it's a bit of a double edge sword, do to the fact you speed up rusting considerably. The best compromise is to park in an unheated (or slightly heated garage) while plugging in your car.

[airbalancer]

Warming up in winter?
I turn the fireplace on, have a hot rum toddy, and getting close to the one you love

[Cord]

The advice to drive away immediately or almost immediately sounds good in theory. In practice, however, I've found many times the limiting factor is the ability to see out the windshield. If I'm parked outside there are many, many days in winter when after scraping the ice off the outside, there can still be a layer of frost on the inside that is not so easily removed. When I see people peering through the 3" clear spot in their windshield, I'm not giving them kudos for prolonging their engine life.

[safristi]

Warming up in winter?
I turn the fireplace on, have a hot rum toddy, and getting close to the one you love

...doesn't the wifey object........................................

[mmorriso]

remember the tires need to warm up too.

[safristi]

  BURNOUT !!!  herr Schumaker............................

[Marko]

So I guess I've been doing it wrong then! I would drive off immediately in the summer, but in the winter I would let it idle for about 3 minutes. Usually turn on the engine, spend some time scraping all the snow/ice off which usually takes about 3 mins, then start driving.

I don't think a block heater is necessary if you live in southern ontario.

[weebl]

That's probably okay.  Excessive idling is what you want to avoid.  I've usually started the engine, scraped the ice, then driven off gently.

[Marko]

after scraping the ice off the outside, there can still be a layer of frost on the inside that is not so easily removed.

I used to have that problem, it's caused by too much moisture in the car. Ocassionally turning on the airconditioner while the heater is running will prevent it, or at least greatly reduce it.

[initial_D]

I use thinner oil in the winter, a few minutes of idling is not a concern. The gearbox needs some warming up as well. Able to see out is more important than anything else.

[safristi]

U calgarians are Crashing Bores.........................................News Flash 200 accidents in Calgarys first snow stormmmmmmmmmmm