BenBeasley2
Member
Should you wait for the cold start to finish before driving? If so, why?
Cold start
- Thread starter BenBeasley2
- Start date
I always sit for a few minutes to let it warm up.JamieZ4C said:
so are we saying this is wrong?
My theory is the engine is happiest when everything is up to temperature (especially engine oil doing it's thing, perhaps coolant too), so you don't want get it up to temperature too slowly (or too quickly) to minimize wear.
Hence sitting there waiting for it to warm up means it's getting up to temperature slower and prolonging the period of time that the engine is operating sub optimally.
This is only my theory of course, and I'm well aware I may be wrong! :lol:
Hence sitting there waiting for it to warm up means it's getting up to temperature slower and prolonging the period of time that the engine is operating sub optimally.
This is only my theory of course, and I'm well aware I may be wrong! :lol:
I usually just start the car first thing I do when I get in, then when I am ready to set off, I just go straight away. Some people actually say it is better to drive the car instead of letting it idle as it will warm up more quickly and reduce any wear. As long as you keep the revs down of course 
ERX said:I usually just start the car first thing I do when I get in, then when I am ready to set off, I just go straight away. Some people actually say it is better to drive the car instead of letting it idle as it will warm up more quickly and reduce any wear. As long as you keep the revs down of course
+1 this. I used to work for Halliwell Jones and was told to start the engine and drive away immediately keeping the revs below 3000rpm until the engine is thoroughly warmed up. This means a while longer after the water temp shows normal as the oil takes considerably longer to reach optimum operating temp.
Get in and go is usually the way forward.
+1 on driving straight away. I read somewhere that letting it idle up to temp is worse than driving it.
Reason being iirc is at idle all the parts aren't really getting cycled accordingly as temp rises - so the engine will warm up, but not be "warmed up" if you know what I mean....
I think of it like an athlete before getting in the pitch - light jogging and moving/stretching of the muscles. If they just sat stead then went full pace .. not great.
Reason being iirc is at idle all the parts aren't really getting cycled accordingly as temp rises - so the engine will warm up, but not be "warmed up" if you know what I mean....
I think of it like an athlete before getting in the pitch - light jogging and moving/stretching of the muscles. If they just sat stead then went full pace .. not great.
As above, drive immediately, to prove the point, I was fidling on the drive the other with engine running, and I noted the gauge said the water was up-to temp, but was still blowing cold air. It didn't blow hot air till I had been driving for a few mins and of course the oil would be cold too.
Sitting at cold idle prolongs the period that over-rich fuel is not fully combusting in the cylinder bores which will 'wash down' and contaminate your oil with fuel and moisture. It also prevents the cats from heating quickly and will do them no good either. Just go by the book, start and drive carefully until it's hot.
these aren't fragile race engines - they're bog standard ones fitted to 3 series and made for the mass market. just drive it!
ronk said:
not on E85/E86 they don't!