What do you do and why?

[firecadet613]

Well now that it's getting cold out, I thought I'd see what everyone does and why.  Do you let your truck idle up for a few minutes before you hop in and go?  I know a cold engine wears more, but is it really that much more?  My truck is garaged at night, and I normally start it up in the garage and let it run for a minute or two while I go back inside and brush my teeth/comb my hair.  After work though I go out and start it up about 5 minutes before I head home.  Only time I really just start it up and go right away is during the middle of the night when I'm going on a fire run.

 

So what do you do and why?

[yaounto]

it depends on how cold it is. mostly i just let it idle long enough to let the oil circulate and then i'm off.

[Stepside Z]

I let mine run for a couple of minutes befor I go, then I keep it under 2K RPMs untill it warms up to normal operating temp. I do not have an idle controller yet so I try not to let it idle longer then 10 minutes due to wet stacking concerns.

[firecadet613]

John what did you do when you had your Z?

[Stepside Z]

Basically the same thing. Let it run for a couple of minutes then took it easy on the truck untill it warmed up.

[Shaners]

If it's below 20 degrees, I let my truck run a minute or so (just long enough to get the leather seat toasty).  Otherwise I just let it idle down ( about 10-15 seconds) and away I go...

[k1500chevy97]

Whenever the overnight temp is supposed to drop below 35 i plug in the block heater for the night .

In the morning start it up until the heater vents blow hot then take off.

[99silveradoz71]

Usually just let it run for 15-30 till she settles down a bit before pulling out in the morning, then kind of crawl up the street.  After work(3pm), I usually just jump in and go...sometimes the shift points will hold longer like we noted here before.

[HillHound]

The only time I warm it up is when I have my 7 mo old son getting ready to ride with me.  Otherwise I just start it and go but take it easy on the gas pedal until the engine and trans temp guages are up to normal operating level-usually about 5 minutes.

 

This is a good thread by the way-lots of different answers.

[General Lee 01]

In the X, my mom just hops in, turns the  key, and away  she goes every time.  

 

My live-in aunt (long story) has a '95 (or so) 2 door Explorer.

 

She'll hop in, turn the key, and sit their for no less than 30 minutes before she goes.

 

I myself think it's unnecessary,but hey, that's just my inexperienced opinion.

[tps0424]

I keep mine in the garage.  I back out VERY slowly (just roll out really) because it's a big truck and a small garage.  I wait until the garage door is all the way down and then drive off.  Probably 2-3 minutes until I step on the gas for the first time.

 

In the afternoon, I wait until the CSK goes away before putting it in gear and driving off.

[Guest Friz]

I just let mine idle for a minute or two. I live in base housing and the speed limit is 15mph for another 2-3 minutes before I hit the big road.

[Bob G.]

Morning - Garage kept, I start it up and go after oil pressure comes up. Then take it easy up the hills in the neighborhood until I get to the main road in town.

 

After work (4:30pm) - If below freezing in the morning, I turn on the remote starter timer box (18 minutes) for 4:20pm. If it is not cold, I do the same as "morning".

 

Everywhere else in winter: Remote starter! My overall gas mileage is not good during winter, but it's nice to get in a warm vehicle when it's near 0 degrees!

 

Bob G.

[Jake99Z71]

I just fire up the Espar heater for 30-45 minutes before I want to go any where. This way the engine is up to 180 degrees on take off. Then take it slow driving off to help warm the drivetrain fluids. Instant heat and usually defrosted windows before getting in the truck.

[SilveradoWV]

Mine is garage kept so I usually start it up and let it run for a few seconds in the garage and then pull out and let it warm up for a minute or so before I leave. I have a pretty good climb as soon as I leave my driveway so I just like letting it warm up a minute or so before I start the mountain, winter and summer.