How long do you warm up your engine?

[Trace]

Since my engine temp gauge is not moving, I've always wondered how long I have to spend on warming up every time I start my car even though I am already half an hour late for work. But hey its Canada, eh.

[ericem]

Just drive the car. Don't worry its fuel injected you know !!! In -31C my car starts just like a very hot day and I just go don't waste time warming up.

[Trace]

ahha good to know nice thanks!

[entirelyturbo]

Yes, since your car is fuel-injected, it's really a waste of time and fuel to warm it up for any more than 30 seconds.

I usually let my engine run for about 15 to 20 seconds when I start it up in the morning. That gives the oil enough time to work into the engine.

However, do not, I repeat, do NOT start pushing the engine until it is up to operating temperature (when the temp gauge is sitting at halfway). No WOT, no going above 4k rpm, etc. These engines are aluminum, and beating on them when they're cold is a good way to wear them out prematurely.

[bmxpunk]

Yeah don't push it hard til its at operating temperature. I had two 05 Sti's in the shop both that punched the #1 rod straight through the block under the intake manifold. Talked with the subaru rep and he said its happening to guys with the ej257 who don't let the motor warm up before rodding them. of course thats the STi but still... safe/sorry.

[Manarius]

Yes, since your car is fuel-injected, it's really a waste of time and fuel to warm it up for any more than 30 seconds.

I usually let my engine run for about 15 to 20 seconds when I start it up in the morning. That gives the oil enough time to work into the engine.

However, do not, I repeat, do NOT start pushing the engine until it is up to operating temperature (when the temp gauge is sitting at halfway). No WOT, no going above 4k rpm, etc. These engines are aluminum, and beating on them when they're cold is a good way to wear them out prematurely.

+1 ^^^^

[evolutionmovement]

I live near a highway so I've gunned it to near redline through 3rd when not up to temp hundreds of times. Mine is N/A, though, and I never gunned it when dead cold. I tried to keep it under 3k on high windchill neg degree day until it sounds happier and under 4k until the heat is up. Very little to no wear at 250k and I change the oil about every 10k with Mobil 1.

[SemperGuard]

Nevermind the coolant temp, oil temp is much more important to worry about. If you abuse it with coolant not up to temp you'll mess with the HG's. If you don't wait for the oil to get up to temp you'll mess with the already poor bottom end. Of course if you're abusing it while the coolant isn't up to temp it's a double whammy, but I'm just saying. Don't use the coolant temp as the time to drop the hammer gauge.

[Dynamic Entry]

Damn but I am not eager to install an oil temp gauge. How much longer does oil usually take after coolant is warm? I do a lot of driving in freezing temps.....

side note: I ran Mobil 1 5W30 all year last winter included.... is that bad?

[bny82]

I've always run my engines for about 30 seconds or start the car then go open the gates it takes that long for my 2006 liberty to come down from 2000rpm idle any way lol.