Warming up the car

[theprodigy79]

I intended to post these links last night. I will still track down a few more US / Canadian Government sites and automotive industry sites I've seen that make the exact same claims. I'm at work right now, but I'll find and post them some time later.

I don't endorse the "10 second rule", as that is a bit excessive (especially if you have a car that is known for long or hard starts), but I still believe that if you're stuck at a stop for a substantial amount of time you should cut it off, or at least put it in neutral. There is reason, afterall, the emissions inspectors usually tell you to turn off your engine while waiting in line for your inspection (for those of you applicable to smog / emissions inspections)...

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html
http://www.therecord.com/links/links_04100475540.html
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/aug/12forum.htm

Here are a few from the Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency (the Canadian Govt has done more research on this than the US Govt has):
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities-gove ... cfm?attr=8
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/i ... r=8#wastes
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/i ... #newsflash

I'll post stuff from the US Govt and Automotive Industry later...

As for the "warm up" time (the original subject of this thread), do I really gotta go hunt down a damned Solara manual and scan pages, or can you guys look for yourselves? I'll check my '88 Supra manual and see what I can find, if necessary...

-James

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

James, since you seem to have more knowledge about that kind of thing (and changing a bit from the topic at hand), what about coasting in neutral on an auto before you reach a stop? I got that habit back when I had stick and I always notice a subtle difference in gas mileage.

[theprodigy79]

It shouldn't do anything detrimental so long as you aren't over revving it (don't cut it into neutral at a high rpm, or shift out of neutral into gear while revving).

So basically, just don't do it with your foot on the gas... and don't forget that you have it in neutral if the light turns green and you decide to accelerate... Other than that, you may / may not see gas mileage improvement. If you are, keep it up, any little bit helps.

PS--> Ilooked in my Supra manual and it specifies a "10 second" warm up time under normal conditions, however it goes on to say that in sub-freezing temperatures it may take up to "a couple minutes". Keep in mind, this is for a 1988 vehicle... I'm pretty sure my 2004 Solara manual left it at the "10 second" warm up without mention of sub freezing temps, but I could be mistaken... Anyone able to verify (it's under "Starting your vehicle" or something)?

[Nyyankees3511]

My 99 manual says in really cold temperatures start it and let it run for a few minutes. That may no be exactly what it says but its to that extent. Either way in the winter i let it run for a few minutes and in the summer i let it run for like 30 seconds and then im good to go.