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JamCoope Rookie Author Maryland Posts:13 Points:18,465 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jan 26, 2011 10:21:52 AM Ignore JamCoope Report Abuse Most people agree that cars run more economically once they're warmed up... especially in the cold winter months. Here's a question: has anyone tested whether it is more economical to let your car warm up by idling in the driveway, or by just letting warm up as you drive?

JamCoope

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Maryland

Posts:13
Points:18,465
Joined:Jan 2011

Message Posted: Jan 26, 2011 10:21:52 AM

Ignore JamCoope Report Abuse

Most people agree that cars run more economically once they're warmed up... especially in the cold winter months.

Here's a question: has anyone tested whether it is more economical to let your car warm up by idling in the driveway, or by just letting warm up as you drive?

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FrankLee1 Veteran Author Minnesota Posts:250 Points:13,810 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2013 12:02:23 AM Ignore FrankLee1 Report Abuse gort = wrong. Get with the program man. :/
johnchase All-Star Author Miami Posts:660 Points:400,720 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2013 11:09:51 PM Ignore johnchase Report Abuse No
33gort33 Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:154 Points:162,375 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2013 9:45:18 AM Ignore 33gort33 Report Abuse yes, it is a must. then when I do go - it is slow without surge on the colder engine parts.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2013 8:58:26 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
ozziebaby Rookie Author Michigan Posts:34 Points:7,755 Joined:Jun 2013	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2013 7:06:53 PM Ignore ozziebaby Report Abuse most mornings i start it scrape the windows and go [Edited by: ozziebaby at 6/17/2013 7:13:50 PM EST]
MTK143 Sophomore Author Pittsburgh Posts:167 Points:25,910 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2013 10:20:27 AM Ignore MTK143 Report Abuse only to defrost the windows
fkkf92 Champion Author Toronto Posts:2,052 Points:2,614,170 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2013 9:51:38 AM Ignore fkkf92 Report Abuse no
contiki Champion Author Ontario Posts:9,488 Points:589,165 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2013 7:54:43 AM Ignore contiki Report Abuse In the winter months..........
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2013 7:53:10 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,410 Points:695,260 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Jun 16, 2013 2:17:57 AM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse CICTECH writes: In the winter months, the fuel mix is different than summer. I typically use more fuel in the winter faster by warming the truck than I do in the summer. ______ In winter, oxygenates are added to the fuel to promote more complete combustion and these oxygenates don't have any energy content. Consequently winter fuels will give fewer miles per gallon. And what is the best way to conserve fuel during a cold start? Reduce the amount of time that the engine is cold. Canada conducted a study regarding cold starts and the best overall mileage was obtained by starting the engine and driving easily. This promotes better overall fuel economy because the engine warms more quickly when driven than it does idling. To substantially lower the amount of time the engine operates in the cold state, do as DASSFG advises and invest in a block heater.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 15, 2013 9:30:03 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
dassfg Sophomore Author Fort Worth Posts:120 Points:566,600 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 11:15:14 AM Ignore dassfg Report Abuse use a block heater
cistech Rookie Author Massachusetts Posts:62 Points:271,675 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 9:11:53 AM Ignore cistech Report Abuse In the winter months, the fuel mix is different than summer. I typically use more fuel in the winter faster by warming the truck than I do in the summer.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,949 Points:2,081,505 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 9:03:15 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Fire it up and GO
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,397 Points:1,388,415 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 5:07:28 AM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse The amount of wasted fuel here is amazing. Start and go.
jack4141 Champion Author Alabama Posts:3,127 Points:721,305 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2013 1:50:14 AM Ignore jack4141 Report Abuse About 2 minutes here
FrankLee1 Veteran Author Minnesota Posts:250 Points:13,810 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 9:48:56 PM Ignore FrankLee1 Report Abuse Has anybody here ever heard of an Owner's Manual? No? It's a booklet that comes with a new car and even when you get a car used, it's almost always included. You might want to crack it open and see what the engineers say. My Owner's Manual says to start it and drive right off, but gently at first. It also says to change the oil filter at every OTHER oil change, and to change oil every 8000 miles.
priver All-Star Author Alberta Posts:569 Points:52,915 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 8:50:56 PM Ignore priver Report Abuse not in summer..
99church Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,962 Points:389,740 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 6:40:26 PM Ignore 99church Report Abuse Let it warm up say a minute, make sure the oil pressure is up and fluids are flowing
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,315 Points:2,385,800 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 1:55:02 PM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse Wait a few seconds for the oil pressure to stabilize, then drive off. A car that isn't moving is getting 0 MPG.
bowler360 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,110 Points:527,250 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 1:46:50 PM Ignore bowler360 Report Abuse Warming the car up is so that you're not freezing your butt off 1/2 way to work in the middle of winter.
forresj Champion Author Wilmington Posts:2,945 Points:570,955 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 9:20:55 AM Ignore forresj Report Abuse It's not required for vehicles with fuel injectors. Now a days, newer cars have onboard computers and use oxygen and mass air flow (MAF) sensors to control how much gas to inject into the cylinders. Warming up the engine is usually required for cars with carberators.
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,638 Points:324,475 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 9:03:50 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse only my carburator car
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 12, 2013 8:11:03 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
jimmy544 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,384 Points:681,555 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2013 9:09:42 AM Ignore jimmy544 Report Abuse Studies have shown to warm up no more than 1 minute before driving off. If you are in a really cold climate it might be good to install a block heater. This will pay off in reduced wear and improved gas mileage. also comfort in the car.
smugutu1234 Veteran Author Tallahassee Posts:351 Points:98,265 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2013 8:56:36 AM Ignore smugutu1234 Report Abuse It is always better to warm it up before driving. Economical is not a question. Warming up a car gives the engine time to get it ready to drive. It is response time that is the issue. Older cars need this more than newer cars.
pawnkingfour All-Star Author Georgia Posts:681 Points:168,450 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2013 10:18:49 PM Ignore pawnkingfour Report Abuse Is there any scientific evidence that warming up is best before driving? There was an advertisement by Ford awhile back that basically says that you can drive your vehicle as soon as it is ready. Meaning, no need to warm up.
Camaro_Joe Veteran Author Baltimore Posts:374 Points:555,715 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2013 9:58:03 PM Ignore Camaro_Joe Report Abuse It's always advisable to let the engine warm up for about a minute to get the lubricants flowing without putting too much stress on the components that may lack adequate lubricant. Also, try not to go into race mode, let the engine warm up for a few miles. It may help extend the life of your engine/transmission. This is also assuming oil changes are done on a regular basis.
cricsync Rookie Author Los Angeles Posts:53 Points:12,330 Joined:Jun 2013	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2013 1:26:15 PM Ignore cricsync Report Abuse 4 to 5 minutes of idle should be fine.
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,499 Points:136,115 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2013 7:34:09 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse No good answer on how to preheat or precool the cabin without letting the engine idle. If you want to get into a warm car, you must idle for 5 minutes in the driveway.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 10, 2013 7:12:09 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 8, 2013 9:42:22 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
jimmy544 Champion Author Boston Posts:4,384 Points:681,555 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 8, 2013 10:19:14 AM Ignore jimmy544 Report Abuse This has been tested many times and the answer is warm up no longer than 1 minute and finish the warm up on the fly. A better way is to have a block heater and start an already warm engine. That is best.
hyeglenn Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,208 Points:627,095 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jun 8, 2013 9:23:26 AM Ignore hyeglenn Report Abuse Only during the winter months.
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,499 Points:136,115 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2013 11:14:28 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse ::::if the car is not moving you get o miles per gallon.::: Yes, you are getting 0MPG, but it's a false economy. You are using a few teaspoons of fuel. Inconsequential. I'll wager you'd save a lot more fuel by driving smoothly than you'll ever save by not idling for 5 minutes in the driveway. One full throttle acceleration up to freeway speeds likely uses more fuel.
nichols Champion Author Halifax Posts:6,989 Points:1,859,615 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2013 9:32:37 AM Ignore nichols Report Abuse if the car is not moving you get o miles per gallon. Consumers report did a study reported that 10 seconds is plenty for a warmup and it is easier on the engine to be moving as it warms. Today's cars warm up very fast.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2013 8:31:04 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
snirt Champion Author Anchorage Posts:1,033 Points:409,440 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 2:25:06 AM Ignore snirt Report Abuse haven't tested it
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 12:36:20 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Always
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 4, 2013 12:36:14 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
BayouButterfly Rookie Author Kansas City Posts:26 Points:1,810 Joined:May 2013	Message Posted: Jun 3, 2013 8:38:44 AM Ignore BayouButterfly Report Abuse I let the car warm up just a minute or two in the winter, but it's parked in a garage. Yes, I notice a small drop in fuel economy.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 3, 2013 7:43:22 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,755 Points:784,595 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 6:24:58 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse As needed
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,499 Points:136,115 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 12:39:48 PM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse ::::By letting my car idle to warm up, I've noticed a 5 Mpg drop in my fuel economy. ::: Pretty much impossible and defies the laws of physics/chemistry.
Bobm001 Rookie Author Houston Posts:57 Points:310,990 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 11:35:46 AM Ignore Bobm001 Report Abuse warming the car? . . . in Texas! you mean cooling the car before driving!
blckwolf Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:408 Points:100,025 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 10:26:07 AM Ignore blckwolf Report Abuse Typically, no.
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,397 Points:1,388,415 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 9:56:06 AM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse Since the car was outside the last few nights, unusual, and the oil temp was 75 on start up, I don't think a warm up is going to do much except burn gas without doing anything worthwhile.
b899 Champion Author Connecticut Posts:5,254 Points:1,604,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2013 9:35:19 AM Ignore b899 Report Abuse no
TheRealDeal78 Sophomore Author Bakersfield Posts:127 Points:360,080 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 30, 2013 3:34:41 AM Ignore TheRealDeal78 Report Abuse By letting my car idle to warm up, I've noticed a 5 Mpg drop in my fuel economy. Now I just start my car and go.
forresj Champion Author Wilmington Posts:2,945 Points:570,955 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: May 28, 2013 4:51:36 PM Ignore forresj Report Abuse It's not required for vehicles with fuel injectors. Now a days, new cars have onboard computers and use oxygen and air mass sensors to control how much gas to inject into the cylinders. Warming up the engine is usually required for cars with carberators.