Does anyone do this? I hear people say that mileage goes down when driving with a cold engine. Other people say that it's bad for the engine not to warm it up before driving (especially the first drive of the day). Any thoughts on this?

 

I guess the current wisdom is to start your cold car and let it idle for no more than about 30 seconds. Drive off slowly and don't apply aggressive throttle until the temp guage reads warm. The engine warms up quicker this way than with just letting it idle for several minutes (15 for those with car starters in sub-zero temps[img]/w3timages/icons/tongue.gif[/img]), wastes less gas and easier on the engine. Unles your engine is at warm operating temperature, it's never a good idea to drive aggressively!

<font color=green>GG</font color=green>

 

There's some truth to it. Cold engines do produce more pollutants and run less efficiently than warm ones, but the difference isn't as big with newer-technology engines as it used to be. Plus, you're burning gas and making pollutants just sitting there waiting for it to warm up.

Basically, I turn my engine on, and give it a few seconds to get the oil flowing. Then drive around gently until it warms up. If you turn on a cold engine, throw it in drive, and floor it -- yes, that's bad. If you drive around like an average, non-speedy person until the engine temp needle starts to climb up, you're fine.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

i let it sit till the rpm is 1000rpm(or less, ex 900).

 

Cars are just like people. Treat me gently until I have had a cup of coffee. treat the car gently until warmed up.

 

Yeah, and it doesn't take that long, either. Generally, the needle climbs up above "C" by the time I've gone about 4 blocks and sat through one or two stoplights.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter