Quote:
Originally Posted by 81300sd
I am mostly interested in it for the cars comfort not mine. I like my engines warmed up before I force them to work too hard, and I refuse to sit in a cold car waiting for it to warm up.
|
You've got the right idea, but your logic is flawed. The engine will reach operating temperature much faster if you drive it. You are putting MORE wear on the internal engine components by idling it for 10 or 15 minutes cold. The vast majority of engine wear occurs when the oil is cold. By idling it for so long, your forcing it to run with cold oil for a much longer period of time.
ALL vehicle manufacturers recommend against idling to warm up. They all recommend driving the car to warm the engine up since it warms up much faster that way. Starting off on a cold engine of course you need to take it easy, drive gently, don't rev it up past 4000 rpm, etc.
Invest in a block or coolant heater and you won't have this problem at all.
FYI smaller and more modern / efficient diesel engines like the 1.9 liter VW TDI will not even warm up idling!! You can start them in the winter and idle for 15 minutes and the vents will still blow cold! You have to drive it to get any heat into the motor.