Do I need to warm up my civic in the morning?

kkel19 · 12-10-2009, 02:50 PM

I am not sure where to ask this question, but I am a new owner of a used honda civic 2007. I don't know too much about cars and this is my first one. I want to take care of my car, and was wondering do I need to warm up my car on idle? Its been really cold lately in sf in the mornings 30-40f. Ive read online and some people say 1-2 minutes is good enough, while others 5 or more. Anyone got any advice?

Thanks

sonitex · 12-10-2009, 02:56 PM

Start it up and go slow (25-35 mph) until you see the temp gage start indicating warm-up. This will warm up your engine and drive train evenly and gently. Idling is a waste of time and fuel (unless your main intent is to get in a warmed car).

RCHamel3 · 12-10-2009, 02:57 PM

I like to try and let my car warm up for a few minutes in the morning, so the oil has a chance to warm up and circulate to provide protection bc if you don't you're causing more wear on your engine than you need too. The longer you wait for your engine to reach operating temp the better, but if you only wait 1-2 mins just drive easy and don't pass 3k rpms until it warms up further.

Andys8thGen · 12-10-2009, 02:57 PM

I usually just wait until one of those little bars come up next to the left of the speedo.. Just don't run it hard until you're fully warmed up

BLK_FG1 · 12-10-2009, 02:58 PM

i heard somewher that your car is warm within the first 90 seconds. that was from some david suzuki hippy green earth global warming were all gonna die if we dont do something vid. I always give at least 5 mins.

I just read of guys running through the gears if you are manni with the clutch in to warm them up too. i dont know if i would go that far. my second gear is already getting kind of sticky when its cold.

YoungGuna267 · 12-10-2009, 03:06 PM

i think of it this way.... turning your car on and just driving away when its cold out is like pulling a human out of bed and making him or her run a marathon. no one would like that so why would your car???? lol

kgee · 12-10-2009, 03:08 PM

I pretty much start it and pull out within 10 seconds, no matter the temp.

I go 15mph down my block, turn couple times like 1/32nd of a mile, then turn and come to a red light usually. By that time it's been 2 mins. Then I can go 30mph and stay around 2k. By the time I reach the next full block I am good to drive regular, but not crazy. I save the higher revs for once I enter the freeway about 4 miles away.

kgee · 12-10-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoungGuna267

i think of it this way.... turning your car on and just driving away when its cold out is like pulling a human out of bed and making him or her run a marathon. no one would like that so why would your car???? lol

really?

***GeezerSi*** · 12-10-2009, 03:09 PM

This has already been discussed extensively.

Starting up and waiting?
Does your car take forever to 'warm up'?
how long do you let your car warm up in the morning
High Idol after startup
Engine block heater

12-10-2009, 02:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
kkel19 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 12 Kel	Do I need to warm up my civic in the morning? I am not sure where to ask this question, but I am a new owner of a used honda civic 2007. I don't know too much about cars and this is my first one. I want to take care of my car, and was wondering do I need to warm up my car on idle? Its been really cold lately in sf in the mornings 30-40f. Ive read online and some people say 1-2 minutes is good enough, while others 5 or more. Anyone got any advice? Thanks
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12-10-2009, 02:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
sonitex Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: CT Posts: 419 tex	Start it up and go slow (25-35 mph) until you see the temp gage start indicating warm-up. This will warm up your engine and drive train evenly and gently. Idling is a waste of time and fuel (unless your main intent is to get in a warmed car).

12-10-2009, 02:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
RCHamel3 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 280 Rob	I like to try and let my car warm up for a few minutes in the morning, so the oil has a chance to warm up and circulate to provide protection bc if you don't you're causing more wear on your engine than you need too. The longer you wait for your engine to reach operating temp the better, but if you only wait 1-2 mins just drive easy and don't pass 3k rpms until it warms up further.

12-10-2009, 02:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Andys8thGen Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas City Posts: 548 Andy	I usually just wait until one of those little bars come up next to the left of the speedo.. Just don't run it hard until you're fully warmed up

12-10-2009, 02:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
BLK_FG1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Waterwoo, Ontario Posts: 917	i heard somewher that your car is warm within the first 90 seconds. that was from some david suzuki hippy green earth global warming were all gonna die if we dont do something vid. I always give at least 5 mins. I just read of guys running through the gears if you are manni with the clutch in to warm them up too. i dont know if i would go that far. my second gear is already getting kind of sticky when its cold.

12-10-2009, 03:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
YoungGuna267 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: lancaster PA Posts: 512 Devon Gehman	i think of it this way.... turning your car on and just driving away when its cold out is like pulling a human out of bed and making him or her run a marathon. no one would like that so why would your car???? lol

12-10-2009, 03:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
kgee Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Age: 29 Posts: 939 Kevin G	I pretty much start it and pull out within 10 seconds, no matter the temp. I go 15mph down my block, turn couple times like 1/32nd of a mile, then turn and come to a red light usually. By that time it's been 2 mins. Then I can go 30mph and stay around 2k. By the time I reach the next full block I am good to drive regular, but not crazy. I save the higher revs for once I enter the freeway about 4 miles away.

12-10-2009, 03:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
*GeezerSi* Hidy Ho Neighbor Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 29,711 -> Ken	This has already been discussed extensively. Starting up and waiting? Does your car take forever to 'warm up'? how long do you let your car warm up in the morning High Idol after startup Engine block heater

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