How long after a cold start....

[harperb]

Hi All,

I live relatively close (~1/3 mile) to a freeway onramp. I was wondering how long after a cold start I can accelerate to highway speeds and "normally" drive the car (moderately spirited at best).

Is there a certain oil/engine temperature I should wait for before accelerating rapidly and/or getting on the freeway, or is there some other metric for when this is okay?

[grbeiz]

I would say until gauges of oil and water reach normal working temps.. This is the safest way.. 1/3 mile is a relatively short distance especially in cold weather

[Nehmaiz]

i personally let the car warm up at standstill till everything is properly warmed up, even though i live where temperatures soar above 45 degrees Celcius.

Apparently on 996 cars driving your car when it's not fully warmed up was a major factor in the RMS failures.

check out this link

[seddy]

I start my 2007 C4S, hit the seat warmer, pick the radio station or cd I want, back out my driveway and then just drive it. If I plan on redlining it through all the gears on the on ramp, or if the on ramp led to an autobahn , then yes, I would warm it up first (same treatment I gave the 2005 Boxster S). The advice on this site is very helpful, and clearly there are experts when it comes to Porsche, but sometimes it sounds like we a discussing handgrenades with wheels.

[PAULSPEED]

Even on the track, you do one fast lap before you

jump on it. I would make sure the oil gage is moving up.

Paul

[mrepor]

In my'05 c4, I start it and as soon as I have oil pressure i start driving. I don't exceed 3k until the oil temp starts moving and I don't exceed 4500 or get on it until I have full temp.

I think all auto mfrs. do not recommend idling to warm up a car. I don't live in an area that gets below 0 f perhaps in really cold weather maybe 1 minute of idle.

Just my humble opinion.

[PAULSPEED]

Are you Loren's neighbor?

He lives in Roseville also. You are one of the lucky ones

who can drive down the street and get expert advice.

Paul

[mrepor]

Actually, I've never had the pleasure, But in retrospect I also don't have to put up with the weather that some of our fellow enthusiasts do.

[kbrandsma]

Not advised to warm up a car at idle. The rule is to not exceed 4K RPM until the engine is at operating temperature. Speed not a determining factor, RPM's are.

[harperb]

Not advised to warm up a car at idle. The rule is to not exceed 4K RPM until the engine is at operating temperature. Speed not a determining factor, RPM's are.

Thanks -- where did that rule come from?

[Loren]

Not advised to warm up a car at idle. The rule is to not exceed 4K RPM until the engine is at operating temperature. Speed not a determining factor, RPM's are.

Thanks -- where did that rule come from?

Check your Owners Manual - you can download one here if you do not have one.

[phillipj]

I start mine up and drive,. But llike others said I don't get on it until it's at normal operating temp. I agree that warming the car up to temp at idle is probably just a waste of time and fuel. Just my two cents..

[kbrandsma]

Not advised to warm up a car at idle. The rule is to not exceed 4K RPM until the engine is at operating temperature. Speed not a determining factor, RPM's are.

Thanks -- where did that rule come from?

Yes, taken right from the manual:

1. Don't let vehicle idle to warm up

2. Be prepared to drive right away

3. Drive at moderate speeds for 5 minutes

4. Stay below 4200 RPM

[harperb]

Thanks....I read my manual about 60% of the way through but never finished. Kind of surprised that's in there, but glad to know that RTFM would have answered my question. :)

Edited February 4, 2011 by harperb