How long do you guys let your trucks warm up for? Or do you? Its the age old questions I see people who crank them up and hit D in the same second. I see ppl leave them running for 20 mins. What do you do and why?

I have seriously always heard different theorys on this and depending on how I feel or if im in a hurry I am about mid ways id say. Could I be hurting something?

 

it depends on how cold it is, when it's COLD out i won't leave until it's off high idle, there has been mornings at work where i let it run 15 minutes, but it's over -50 with the windchill. usually i won't move the truck until after the high idle has kicked down and then i wait like a minute or so. i knew a guy who used to put a motor in his truck every year, regardless of the temperature, start it and go.

 

I have a remote control starter that allows the truck to run for around 24 minutes before it automatically shuts off. I usually like to let it warm up for about a good 10-15 minutes, make sure all the moving parts are lubricated and the fluids are warm, up to operating temperature, ice and snow is melted off windows, etc.. I've done the cold start on occasion and driven off 5 seconds later and I can feel a difference. It feels like he engine is struggling and the oil isn't as fluid as it should be. The ride feels harsh and abrasive.

 

Long warm up periods aren't necessary with modern engines. This is the point behind using the 5w20 oil, it provides easier starts at cold temperatures and flows quickly through the engine. You only need to give it a minute or two, just long enough to build oil pressure and move the oil through the engine. Then just drive moderately until it starts warming up.

 

I almost always winter or summer wait till it drops out of high idle before I takeoff. In the cold I wait at least 10 to 15 mins to let it warm up. I do that also so it is warm inside and easier to clean off frost and snow. sucks driving when you are as cold as the truck is.

 

In the winter when it is really cold (-20 or colder) I will let it run for about 5 min before moving it. Just to let everything "warm up" alittle. In the summer I just get in and go.

 

I don't.

 

When its warm I wait for it to kick down from high idle, when its cold (below 35 degrees or so) I usually let it run for about 5 minutes before I take off.

 

I always crank it up and run the heater. But thats for me, not the engine.

 

I start mine and go. For safety reasons I do like to wait for the high idle to come off, but after that I tend to drive normal. Any warm up should be for the human factor, because these modern engines don't need it.

Modern theory is that when accelerating a cold engine, the gas pressure pushing the rings against the cylinder wall provides a better seal under load, reducing carbon build-up in the ring grooves. That being the case, normal driving is more healthy for an engine that allowing it to warm up, and excessive idling causes more carbon buildup.

Today however, even that is changing due to higher engine tolerances and technical advances in oil. Rings just plain seal better and carbon buildup had been reduced through the life of the engine. Even if you do suspect carbon buildup from too much idling you can just dissolve those concerns away with Auto-RX later, so there is no need to be concerned about it. Remote starters have become so popular that Ford now offers the option on new trucks.

I don't think it matters much today, just drive normal, just do what you to do. Just do it, and don't worry about it.

 

i just leave my truck running 24/7/365




no really, I usually just let it idle down off the high idle start up, then take off.

 

I usually wait till it comes off of high idle, unless im in a hurry. The engine is lubricated the second you turn it over. The way I see it, once its off high idle, its ready to roll.

 

Yeah thats what I do too, once it drops under 1rpm im gone, sometimes a lil bit longer in colder weather.

The only thing is when I get off work, if you don't get in your car and get outta there you could be asked to come back in and help. lol- Serously

I don't know about you but when im through doing 12.25 in a prison im ready to get outta there untill the next time, it usually causes me to not sit around. But I do let the high idle simmer down a bit. Thanks guys

 

I let it warm up anywhere from 2-5 mins depending on how cold it is

 

How long will your trucks High Idle? warm or cold weather my truck seams to high idle for a long time. But after the motor is warm you can turn key and go no prob.