Cold Idle and Driving

[RiverRat37]

When you guys crank up how long to you wait for your ride to warm up before shifting to reverse or drive? I'm paranoid about letting a car warm up especially with an automatic transmission. Being I'm a worry wart I usually let my 4runner warm until the idle is down to 1000-1200rpm before I do anything. I've noticed my transmission does better when warmer also. What are your views on this subject? Thanks

 

[awdjunkies]

Whether in cold or warm climate, I always wait 'till the revs are down(Warm engine), before I shift to reverse and back out of my garage. Of course not only because the engine is warmer, but because there is plenty of fluids/Lubrication running through the moving parts.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

It really only needs about a minute (look in owners manual) but I usually jet it warm up to regular operation temp.

 

[Nunyabiz]

I have a remote start, so I start it when I am about to leave the house, then by the time I lock up the house get to my truck it is ready to go.
That is usually about 1-2 minutes.

If it is icy/snowy I leave my defroster on full blast when I shut the car off and the next day when I get ready to go I start the car while I am getting dressed upstairs.
Snow and ice are gone and car is warmed up inside and out by the time I get to it.

Remote start is great.

 

[RiverRat37]

Thanks for the replies... I tend to wait until down to 1000-1200rpm. Am I wasting my time or is it wise to do this all the time?

 

[CaliCal]

less than a minute...from what i remember you're actually wearing it out more by just sitting there

 

[awdjunkies]

Of course it's all in personal preference but I have owned about 40 or so vehicles in my lifetime, about half of that being new. Well, I warm my vehicles up in the morning or whenever I am getting in my vehicles, for 5 min. or less, depending on how long the vehicle has been sitting for. One of the biggest gripes with doing so is clogging your CAT(S). Other than that, I think you are simply just wasting gas.
Sure running engines/moving parts are exposed to more heat as it does not dissipate due to a stagnant vehicle(Even though that's what cooling fans are there for).

:flamethrwoer2: Yes, I have my flame suit on :lol:

 

[theizzardking]

1200 is a bit high idle, mines like 600-700 , I warm my truck up till the cabin temp is in the 60's .....

 

[LittleCaesar]

Let mine idle down until the coolant temp reaches 75 degrees on the Scangauge.

 

[RiverRat37]

theizzardking - Mine idles around 600rpm or little more when at normal "warmed up" temperature... On cold mornings I'll let it warm for a few minutes until it is down around 1100rpm or so before I take off...

 

[Qyota]

We have this discussioon every fall/winter.

No warm-up is necessary, and indeed just wastes fuel. Even below freezing, 30 seconds is plenty of time to get the oil circulated. Beyond that, it's just your comfort level. The truck doesn't care.

The pre op-temp shifting is different than op-temp shifting. If the water temp is below 130F, you'll need to rev the engine to ~2600 RPM to get 3rd gear. If above 130F, it will shift "normally". This is normal behavior for this truck, and is intended to help warm the engine/trans faster.

Sitting and idling doesn't warm the trans at all, but it will warm the engine (slowly), and get you some heat in the cabin. Driving slowly (initially) makes this happen faster, though.