Engine Temps

Willie will · November 21, 2015

for me whenever I get in my truck I like to start my truck up like 5 to 10 mins (cold start) before I start driving. I was wondering what you guys are doing?

LongrangeLauber · November 21, 2015

If its around the freezing temp i try and let it run at least 2-3 min for fluids to warm up, longer if i want it to be nice and toasty in there for personal comfort lol. I have remote start and each cycle is 10 min long, if its like 0 degrees i let it run at least one cycle before getting in

SMiller · November 21, 2015

I have always gone by engine temp, I don't put the truck into gear until it is up to full temp.

Travis Whitmore · November 21, 2015

Get in and go! Long idle is a waste of fuel and time. I'll usually let it warm up a few minutes in the morning while I grab my coffee but that's it.

Willie will · November 22, 2015

I understand when it's freezing temps out there. I've heard that you should warm your truck up before you go. It's bad for the engine?

chuckl1218 · November 22, 2015

I usually let it go for a minute or so until the RPM kicks down. It takes a while to get up to full temp at idle...

JRaschke11 · November 22, 2015

I live 2.5 miles from my driveway to my parking spot at work. I try to ride my bicycle but I can't always. When it's 45 degrees or less outside I hit the remote start 5-10 minutes before I leave so that the engine gets up to temperature. I also occasionally take the long way and try to hit 4-5 miles on the drive. This is only so that my engine can run hot sometimes since I don't drive a lot.

These engines don't need to warm up. A good 15-20 seconds after turning the key to cycle some fluids might be all they need. They are designed to start and run cold without any issues. That is why they have cold weather testing centers in the north.

BuyAmericanIron · November 22, 2015

Start your truck and wait a few seconds until it has oil pressure and drive away. You should take it easy for a few minutes until there is temperature in the engine. Waste of fuel to let it run until warmed up to full temperature.

scott19677 · November 22, 2015

The problem with letting your truck get up to temp and taking off is you forget about the rest of the drivetrain. The engine will be fine but you need to let the trans and diff gears warm up when you take off. I usually let mine warm up till the windows clear then drive easy till everything is nice and toasty.

jamin87ss · November 22, 2015

Considering it takes a hour to defrost the windows, usually just a few minutes thou

soltys · November 22, 2015

I have always gone by engine temp, I don't put the truck into gear until it is up to full temp.

I don`t think I`d ever be able to drive away on the -30C if I waited that long.

LaserBlueZ71 · November 23, 2015

Honestly, with modern day engines, long warm up times are not required. That was a fact of life in the old days of mechanical diesel engines. Even modern diesels do not require that long of a warm up anymore unless you are in extreme weather of -40 C or more.

I start my truck with the remote while I am putting on my jacket and boots, by the time I get outside, it has had 1 to 2 minutes of run time. I hop in and go. I wouldn't walk on it when it is cold, but I wouldn't be afraid to drive it either.

Think of it this way. When your outside and it's cold, what keeps you warmer, physical movement, or just sitting there doing nothing? Engines/fluids/mechanical devices are the exact same way.

Eddie 70 · November 23, 2015

I usually just walk out and get in and go. So far though, I have not had to deal with frost on the windows. I will have to soon though. When the time comes it will be remote start and let it run for a few minutes and then go. I have about 3 miles before I get to the interstate down back roads so it is easy going, maybe 45 MPH max then 70 on the interstate.

tnchevy · November 23, 2015

I just fire it up and go unless I have to scrape off the windshield.

batman900 · November 23, 2015

My previous cars without remote start, I wait 15-20 seconds then drive easy for a while. That's already more than what I see 99% of people doing.

My truck I remote start 2-5min before leaving then drive easy till it's warmed up. Just got a remote start for the wife's Rav4 last week and I'm having one put on my Grandma's Accord this Friday. Best gift / upgrade IMO.