Cold Weather, warm up car or not - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Lacpac · 01-28-2021, 08:43 AM

Most of what I read today says to only let a car warm up 30 seconds, enough time to circulate oil, then you can go. So why buy a remote start? I've heard with turbo charged cars its more important to warm up the car before you drive. Any mechanical justification for warming up vs not warming up?

gtstorey · 01-28-2021, 09:23 AM

The remote start is for getting the car warm for the driver not for the mechanicals (and maybe to defrost windows). I believe it's best for the car to pretty much start driving it immediately after starting, but taking it very easy when it's real cold until it's up to temperature.

BuddyLee · 01-28-2021, 09:31 AM

You are probably right for the turbo car. I was instructed to let the oil cycle through the turbo but more after driving the car rather than starting the car. I let the engine idle for a minute when I come to a stop for that reason. Turbocharged engines need to cool down before turned off. ... That is sufficient for the engine oil to cool to a level that will not damage the turbocharger bearings.

PaulsSS · 01-28-2021, 10:00 AM

I always warm up the engine for a few mins before moving the cars. I figure it can't hurt anything and it lets the engine warm up a bit.

granatl · 01-28-2021, 10:02 AM

The car's computer handles cold starts and the subsequent warm-up versus decades ago when the driver had to do it. I seem to recall that it has RPM limits if the engine is very cold to protect it.

gtstorey · 01-28-2021, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulsSS

I always warm up the engine for a few mins before moving the cars. I figure it can't hurt anything and it lets the engine warm up a bit.

The theory behind not warming up extensively is that the motor is not moving much oil cold at idle. The oil will circulate more and warm up faster with some rpm.

George-CZ · 01-28-2021, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacpac

Most of what I read today says to only let a car warm up 30 seconds, enough time to circulate oil, then you can go. So why buy a remote start? I've heard with turbo charged cars its more important to warm up the car before you drive. Any mechanical justification for warming up vs not warming up?

This procedure is correct. I start the engine and wait 30 seconds. until the engine is lubricated without load, and then allow the engine to warm up to operating temperatures by driving slowly. Approximately 3000 rpm.

The point is that with a cold start in "choke" mode, more fuel goes into the cylinders, which can disrupt the oil film. Not to mention the E85. Alcohol is simply a degreaser.

And of course the engine is not warm when the water temperature shows you the value of the operating temperature.
You only have a warm engine after the oil has warmed up to operating temperature.

The remote start is for the driver's comfort in cold weather or to scare people

xstuntman · 01-28-2021, 10:46 AM

Modern synthetic gives you instant oil pressure unlike the old dino oil. I still remember back in the jurassic period (80s?) when i swapped from dino to synthetic and was shocked to see almost instantaneous oil pressure on my trucks gauge in the middle of winter. Magic in a bottle at the time. Between synthetic and computer controlled fuel injection warmups aren't really needed. Wish i could say the same about my old Suburbans Edelbrock 1406 equipped 350.

I let mine warm up to the point the rpms drop and then put it in gear.

Vegas Bound · 01-28-2021, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtstorey

The theory behind not warming up extensively is that the motor is not moving much oil cold at idle. The oil will circulate more and warm up faster with some rpm.

Not true with multi-grade oil.

CAMARO_HEAVEN · 01-28-2021, 11:31 AM

With an automatic vehicle i let it warm up for a couple minutes to let the transmission fluid to get up to pressure.
Many years ago a transmission repair buddy of mine told me that and I do it with all my auto vehicles.

TheFlyingBananaSS · 01-28-2021, 11:56 AM

I allow my car to warm up first usually about 5 minutes before driving if it's really cold. I do not drive aggressive until the oil temp is at operating temps. Likewise engine coolant and blower oil. I want maximum performance from all fluids which helps longevity of the engine. Remote start is for comfort only although it is used for fun at times

BehindBlueI's · 01-28-2021, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyLee

You are probably right for the turbo car. I was instructed to let the oil cycle through the turbo but more after driving the car rather than starting the car. I let the engine idle for a minute when I come to a stop for that reason. Turbocharged engines need to cool down before turned off. ... That is sufficient for the engine oil to cool to a level that will not damage the turbocharger bearings.

True if running dino oil, which could sit in the hot turbo and coke. Coke build up encourages more coking until things get plugged or pieces break loose and lodge, causing reduced flow. Sort of the automotive equivalent of plaque in the blood vessels leading to a stroke. Synthetic oil doesn't coke so it's much less of a concern.

ADVMax · 01-28-2021, 03:15 PM

I fire mine and wait for the fast idle to come down, usually 30 seconds or so? I haven’t timed it.

I’m in Alabama so “cold start” is kinda relative to where you are. It gets cold but not minus zero cold.

mikeinmobile · 01-29-2021, 01:36 AM

Here's how I warm my cars up.

01-28-2021, 08:43 AM	#1
Lacpac Drives: 2012 Crystal Red Tintcoat RS Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 491 View My Garage	Cold Weather, warm up car or not Most of what I read today says to only let a car warm up 30 seconds, enough time to circulate oil, then you can go. So why buy a remote start? I've heard with turbo charged cars its more important to warm up the car before you drive. Any mechanical justification for warming up vs not warming up?

01-28-2021, 10:02 AM	#5
granatl Drives: 2SS RS ABM A6 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pahrump, NV Posts: 273	The car's computer handles cold starts and the subsequent warm-up versus decades ago when the driver had to do it. I seem to recall that it has RPM limits if the engine is very cold to protect it. __________________ Jack Bilger

01-28-2021, 10:46 AM	#8
xstuntman Drives: 2012 Victory Red LFX Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: west central Texas Posts: 1,384	Modern synthetic gives you instant oil pressure unlike the old dino oil. I still remember back in the jurassic period (80s?) when i swapped from dino to synthetic and was shocked to see almost instantaneous oil pressure on my trucks gauge in the middle of winter. Magic in a bottle at the time. Between synthetic and computer controlled fuel injection warmups aren't really needed. Wish i could say the same about my old Suburbans Edelbrock 1406 equipped 350. I let mine warm up to the point the rpms drop and then put it in gear. __________________ '18 SS wheels, colored matched Heritage grille, actual driving lights, ZL1 strut tower brace, GM Performance billet aluminum fuel door, victory red rotors and calipers, 1/4 window American flags, splash guards, AEM dry panel air filter, Hot Wheels steering wheel and seat covers, Hot Wheels exterior emblems.

01-28-2021, 11:56 AM	#11
TheFlyingBananaSS Evil Genius of Chevrolet Drives: 2017 Z06, 2019 XTS, 2013 SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3,262	I allow my car to warm up first usually about 5 minutes before driving if it's really cold. I do not drive aggressive until the oil temp is at operating temps. Likewise engine coolant and blower oil. I want maximum performance from all fluids which helps longevity of the engine. Remote start is for comfort only although it is used for fun at times __________________ GPI SS2 VVT cam, ECS Novi 1500 supercharger, Corsa Extreme, Detroit Speed and BMR suspension, Circle D triple disc, Melling oil pump, LS2 chain tensioner, ATI 10% UD, DSX E85 kit, High Energy coils, BTR springs, LS2 Lifter trays, Titanium retainers, hardened push rods, FIC 1000 injectors, ZL1 pump, Mighty Mouse catch can, AEM gauges, Tial BOV, Richmond 3.91 gears, Custom gauge bezels, Speed Engineering headers, Stainless Works HF cats, DSX Aux pump, 710rwhp on E85.

01-28-2021, 09:23 AM	#2
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,480	The remote start is for getting the car warm for the driver not for the mechanicals (and maybe to defrost windows). I believe it's best for the car to pretty much start driving it immediately after starting, but taking it very easy when it's real cold until it's up to temperature.

01-28-2021, 09:31 AM	#3
BuddyLee Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 802	You are probably right for the turbo car. I was instructed to let the oil cycle through the turbo but more after driving the car rather than starting the car. I let the engine idle for a minute when I come to a stop for that reason. Turbocharged engines need to cool down before turned off. ... That is sufficient for the engine oil to cool to a level that will not damage the turbocharger bearings.

01-28-2021, 10:00 AM	#4
PaulsSS Account Suspended Drives: 15SS Camaro Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: US Posts: 351	I always warm up the engine for a few mins before moving the cars. I figure it can't hurt anything and it lets the engine warm up a bit.

01-28-2021, 11:31 AM	#10
CAMARO_HEAVEN Big John Drives: Wife 2013 Camaro 2SSRS / ME? Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Kentucky Posts: 406	With an automatic vehicle i let it warm up for a couple minutes to let the transmission fluid to get up to pressure. Many years ago a transmission repair buddy of mine told me that and I do it with all my auto vehicles.

01-28-2021, 03:15 PM	#13
ADVMax Sporting Foole Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Alabama Posts: 500	I fire mine and wait for the fast idle to come down, usually 30 seconds or so? I haven’t timed it. I’m in Alabama so “cold start” is kinda relative to where you are. It gets cold but not minus zero cold.