Who warms up car before driving?

[Xe]

Ok which is best?

1) Let the car warm up for a few minutes first.

or

2) Just switch on and drive.

I have however been following the instructions in the manual about turning the key half way, until the coil warmup light goes out then turning the key all the way to start the engine.

But it also goes on to say not to let the car warm up, as...

1) The sooner you get driving the faster the engine will get to optimum temp

and

2) Its bad for the environment.

So whats best folks??

 

[Tam]

I think 20 seconds to let the engine oil get round the engine (if for example its been left overnight) won't hurt it.

Of course, you don't want to cane the crap out of it until its up to temperature!

 

[ZBOYD]

Switch on and go usually, but remember to give the car 10-15 mins of normal driving. Before really giving it any beans, so everything comes upto temperature as it should.

And after a spirited drive, don't just turn it off. Best to give it a minute or so for the oil to circulate and cool to normal operating temps.

 

[BanziBarn]

I wait for the coil, and then drive carefully until the engine is warm.

 

[Revo Kev]

Drive off boost/full load until it's nice and warm!

 

[Martin M]

I switch on and go but just driving normally. I don't give it any stick until it's warm, and i always let it cool down after driving!

 

[tomspikings]

Dont cane it untill it is at full temp and then make sure you give it a minute or so once you have pulled up depending on how much you have caned it so that your turbo can wind down

 

[Ol' Timer]

In cold weather I wait a couple of minutes with the heater set to demist to ensure that the windscreen doesn't suddenly fog up just as I reverse out onto the road. This has happened a few times and it's very alarming when you can't see anything with cars infront and behind! It clears after a few seconds.

When I'm sure I can see properly I drive off and treat it quite gently until it's warmed up – just as I arrive at work.

 

[hoooverman]

Sounds like a question on the theory test does this!!!

 

[newbi]

sounds like everyone treats their car with respect!!!

i treat my car with the utmost respect just like the rest of you.

 

[WeeJase]

my wife is now fully conversant in cool down. just the threat of having to buy a new turbo sorted that one out.

 

[Acer1751]

You dont need to idle it to "cool down" really. Taking it easy, off boost for the last few miles home has the same effect.

 

[Xe]

Thanks for the replies I will continue with my couple of minutes warm up method

 

[dchbrown]

I used to wait patiently for the coil light to go out until i was told that its just on a timer and the coils warm up in seconds. So now i just jump in and turn the key!!

 

[jonjay]

Summary
1. Let the car run for 30 seconds when starting
2. Drive normally (not fast) until temps are normal.
3. Drive spirited and enjoy the car
4. When stopping let car run for a minute or two for the oil to cool down relevant engine parts.

 

[dchbrown]

Summary
1. Let the car run for 30 seconds when starting
2. Drive normally (not fast) until temps are normal.
3. Drive spirited and enjoy the car
4. When stopping let car run for a minute or two for the oil to cool down relevant engine parts.

I would agree with that 110%...

APART from the fact that mines a company car and ive only got it for 3 years so looking after it isnt that much of a priority

 

[Acer1751]

Oil takes much longer than water to warm up too.

My old 205 gti had both guages....the water would be up to normal temp after 5 or so mins but it took a good 15 mins for the oil to warm up, even then it normally took a bit of revs to get the temp running through it.

I also noticed the reverse happens when you leave the car standing after a long run. The oil seemed to retain more heat than the water.

 

[BanziBarn]

Yeah, an oil temp gauge is really useful. My saxo had one and I really missed it when I got my type-r.

 

[FR*Man1984]

I usually just turn the key and let it warm up naturally. Having said that this past week how the weather has been bitterly cold, I've waited until the glow plug light has gone out before turning.

The washer bottle is prone to freezing up and has annoid me this week! Even with anti-freeze in the fluid! God damn

 

[processpaul]

My "technique" is:

1.Wait for glow plug light to go out before starting
2.Run car standing for a bit 30secs or so while i sort my tunes out
3.drive car gently not under load till warmed (ie. below 2500rpm)
4.Then drive car normally.
5. I let the turbo slow down and idle for a bit after a hard run.

The glow plugs at the injectors will stay on till the engine has reached a certain temperature and if rpm is below 2500. If you go above 2500rpm they will go off, so its best to run the car from cold below 2500rpm IMHO and let things warm up.

Altea Stylance 1.9 TDI