[RAV4Don]

Re: how many minutes.....

guys, how many minutes do i need to heat-up my engine in the morning before i used it for driving?

thanks in advance.

Not long. Most modern fuel-injected engines don't need to be "warmed-up". The pros say 30 seconds should be plenty of time.

I believe Motor Trend magazine reviewed this question in a recent issue. The bottom line, after a length technical explanation, is as mentioned above ... just 30 seconds and then drive it.

 

[RAV4Don]

The whole reason that all the "experts" out there are pushing the 30 seconds and drive it thing is emissions. !

As I recall the rational has as much to due with the refinement of modern fuel injection and computer managment as it does with emissions. There simply is no need to sit waiting for the engine to warm up as with early generation FI (TBI) or with carbs equiped with mechanical chokes.

Old habit s are hard to change.

 

[RAV4Don]

On one trip out to Edmonton last year we had -43C/-45F one morning. If people even shut their cars off at all they often have a device installed that starts the car up every so often to make sure it'll run when you actually want to go somewhere.

-45F Eek! When I hear stories like this I am glad I live in a tamer climate.

RAVDon...with no power cords.

 

[RAV4Don]

I'm glad you said oil flowing because that's the only reason I let mine idle a bit... to start and immediately drive off is insane as the oil would not be circulating around the engine that quickly.

I been building and modifing engine since the 60's, if your oil isn't circulating within about 30 seconds, you already have an engine problem. I would agree with what has been posted above, that one should not stress a cold engine with high RPMs, but driving off after 30 seconds (and assuming the outside temps are not -45F) is not going to cause any harm. :wink: