Left side heavier than right? How long do you wait for your car to warm up?
11-28-2007, 07:29 PM
#1
Left side heavier than right? How long do you wait for your car to warm up?
Two questions for ya'll.
1. Since the gauge cluster, steering wheel, and yourself is on the left side of the car, does that make the left side heavier than the right? Because all you have on the right is the dash and glove compartment with the owners manual.. or is there something heavier inside on the right that i'm unaware of?
2. How long do you wait for your car to warm up when the weather hits like 20 degrees? I ALWAYS wait until the RPM drops under 1000 rpm and then when the engine temp goes slightly above Cold, since I don't have forever to wait.
1. Since the gauge cluster, steering wheel, and yourself is on the left side of the car, does that make the left side heavier than the right? Because all you have on the right is the dash and glove compartment with the owners manual.. or is there something heavier inside on the right that i'm unaware of?
2. How long do you wait for your car to warm up when the weather hits like 20 degrees? I ALWAYS wait until the RPM drops under 1000 rpm and then when the engine temp goes slightly above Cold, since I don't have forever to wait.
11-28-2007, 07:47 PM
#5
Team Owner
Like was said, the engine is more to the right. Cars are usually fairly balanced with just the driver. My other car which happens to be RWD with the engine centered has the battery, coolant reservior, spare tire, jack, and turbo on the passenger side. I've always figured this was to help balance the weight a little.
As for the oil, it's best to wait until the idle goes down. The amount of time you let it warm up really depends on what the drive is like. For the mornings I let the idle settle down a bit and drive. Maybe a minute. My morning drive consists of 5 minutes of residential streets where I cruise with almost no gas, rpms at 1,500 and a speed of 20mph steady. My drive home from work has the freeway uphill on- ramp literally 100' from the parking lot so I let it warm up for a good 10 minutes before going 1/2 throttle up the ramp.
For full throttle, I would let the oil hit full temp, around 20minutes before flooring it. While the TL is less sensitive, I've seen first hand the damage going WOT on a cold motor will do when I got pissed at my GN.
As for the oil, it's best to wait until the idle goes down. The amount of time you let it warm up really depends on what the drive is like. For the mornings I let the idle settle down a bit and drive. Maybe a minute. My morning drive consists of 5 minutes of residential streets where I cruise with almost no gas, rpms at 1,500 and a speed of 20mph steady. My drive home from work has the freeway uphill on- ramp literally 100' from the parking lot so I let it warm up for a good 10 minutes before going 1/2 throttle up the ramp.
For full throttle, I would let the oil hit full temp, around 20minutes before flooring it. While the TL is less sensitive, I've seen first hand the damage going WOT on a cold motor will do when I got pissed at my GN.
11-28-2007, 07:50 PM
#6
Originally Posted by I hate cars
Like was said, the engine is more to the right. Cars are usually fairly balanced with just the driver. My other car which happens to be RWD with the engine centered has the battery, coolant reservior, spare tire, jack, and turbo on the passenger side. I've always figured this was to help balance the weight a little.
As for the oil, it's best to wait until the idle goes down. The amount of time you let it warm up really depends on what the drive is like. For the mornings I let the idle settle down a bit and drive. Maybe a minute. My morning drive consists of 5 minutes of residential streets where I cruise with almost no gas, rpms at 1,500 and a speed of 20mph steady. My drive home from work has the freeway uphill on- ramp literally 100' from the parking lot so I let it warm up for a good 10 minutes before going 1/2 throttle up the ramp.
For full throttle, I would let the oil hit full temp, around 20minutes before flooring it. While the TL is less sensitive, I've seen first hand the damage going WOT on a cold motor will do when I got pissed at my GN.
As for the oil, it's best to wait until the idle goes down. The amount of time you let it warm up really depends on what the drive is like. For the mornings I let the idle settle down a bit and drive. Maybe a minute. My morning drive consists of 5 minutes of residential streets where I cruise with almost no gas, rpms at 1,500 and a speed of 20mph steady. My drive home from work has the freeway uphill on- ramp literally 100' from the parking lot so I let it warm up for a good 10 minutes before going 1/2 throttle up the ramp.
For full throttle, I would let the oil hit full temp, around 20minutes before flooring it. While the TL is less sensitive, I've seen first hand the damage going WOT on a cold motor will do when I got pissed at my GN.
11-28-2007, 07:59 PM
#7
i always go and start the car up put the temp to 90 and run back inside and wait 15min and go out and drive. i always wondered if turning the heater to full blast when the car is cold is a bad thing but i really dont have more than 15 of patience.
sometimes when i am running late, i just run out there start her up and drive away.
sometimes when i am running late, i just run out there start her up and drive away.
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11-28-2007, 08:02 PM
#8
Team Owner
Originally Posted by ballinfizzle89
84 Buick GN 4.2L, T-66, 602hp 620lbs tq daily driver turned weekend warrior. Stock block, rods, and crank.
I call it a time bomb. Sooner or later it's going to blow with the stock parts. Then I have an excuse to really build it.
11-28-2007, 08:04 PM
#9
1. It's truly amazing to know that each vehicle must be engineered and designed perfectly to balance out weight.. a car is the sum of its parts and each part must be placed SPECIFICALLY in a certain position. I know this is obv, but just thinking about it is amazing.
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnoed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnoed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
11-28-2007, 08:04 PM
#10
1. It's truly amazing to know that each vehicle must be engineered and designed perfectly to balance out weight.. a car is the sum of its parts and each part must be placed SPECIFICALLY in a certain position. I know this is obv, but just thinking about it is amazing.
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnosed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnosed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
11-28-2007, 08:07 PM
#12
94 DC4 RS LSV/Turbo
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it is hitting 30 degrees some nights in nyc... usually takes 5mins for the temperature to reach way above the cold... usually wait 5 to 10 mins, take time to clean windshield, mirrors etc...
11-28-2007, 08:12 PM
#13
Originally Posted by bforbrian
1. It's truly amazing to know that each vehicle must be engineered and designed perfectly to balance out weight.. a car is the sum of its parts and each part must be placed SPECIFICALLY in a certain position. I know this is obv, but just thinking about it is amazing.
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnosed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
2. The cold weather kind of makes me want to get remote start so I can warm up the car without even going outside! but regardless, I always wait for the engine temp for go slightly above C or way above C.
As for the heater, I NEVER put it on full blast.. nor do I even set it to 80+.. it's just like a heart; if an artery is clogged due to plaque, it hinders blood flow and makes the heart do much more work --> heart disease.
We don't want our engine to be diagnosed with engine disease!
My heating is always on 77 and 78 and that's plenty heat.
However, the butt warmer, ....is a MUST
hahah I agree though, I dont even use the heat really, just the seat heaters, but then again, Im in Va in like 60F for right now atleast
11-28-2007, 08:12 PM
#14
......blasting the heater to max is also like ordering a new plate of gourmet food and before you even get to pick up your fork (chopsticks in my case) your friend asks if he can have some; shit, i just turned on and i'm trying to warm up and you're asking me if i can keep YOU warm? 
11-28-2007, 08:14 PM
#15
Originally Posted by I hate cars
I call it a time bomb. Sooner or later it's going to blow with the stock parts. Then I have an excuse to really build it.
Haha....wow..I don't even know what to say to that, haha
You really need to stop posting your sig, I always go down the thread and pass the GN part and I'm like
11-28-2007, 08:17 PM
#16
Team Owner
Originally Posted by stillhere153
it is hitting 30 degrees some nights in nyc... usually takes 5mins for the temperature to reach way above the cold... usually wait 5 to 10 mins, take time to clean windshield, mirrors etc...
Keep in mind that even though the oil typically runs a little hotter than the water, oil takes longer to warm up. Just because the temp guage shows the water is fully hot, the oil is probably lagging behind. Take this with a grain of salt, I also run straight 30wt in my car so I might be crazy.
11-28-2007, 08:50 PM
#17
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1. Don't know. Agree the left side is normal heavier.
2. If it's under 20 degrees I'm taking a sick day. No F#&KING WAY I am going outside to start a car.
:wink:
2. If it's under 20 degrees I'm taking a sick day. No F#&KING WAY I am going outside to start a car.
:wink:
11-28-2007, 09:09 PM
#18
The warm it up v.s. the get in and drive is a good debate. I get in, start it up and put on my seatbelt. Then I drive away slowly, never letting the revs go over 2800. I know my Audi A4 manual said to do the procedure I just stated. Also said to not let the car idle to warm up. You need to drive it to really warm things up anyway, esp. when it's cold (it was 12 degrees yesterday morning here in WI).
11-28-2007, 09:15 PM
#19
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From: Your Dad Was Wrong
A lot of traditional automotive wisdom just doesn't hold up
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...o/4205233.html
DAD SAID: "Let the engine idle to warm up on cold days."
BUT: Idling just wears the engine without budging the odo. Les Ryder, chief powertrain engineer at Ford, says, "Engines run best at their design temperature." To get there sooner, start by driving at moderate speeds. Your engine will be okay: Modern oils flow fine in cold weather.
Not sure how valid this is but makes sense to me. Get the oils warmed up and moving sooner is probably smart.
A lot of traditional automotive wisdom just doesn't hold up
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...o/4205233.html
DAD SAID: "Let the engine idle to warm up on cold days."
BUT: Idling just wears the engine without budging the odo. Les Ryder, chief powertrain engineer at Ford, says, "Engines run best at their design temperature." To get there sooner, start by driving at moderate speeds. Your engine will be okay: Modern oils flow fine in cold weather.
Not sure how valid this is but makes sense to me. Get the oils warmed up and moving sooner is probably smart.
11-28-2007, 10:36 PM
#26
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1. Honda/Acura are very thorough, Im sure its balanced.
2. As soon as it hits the first thick line where the "C" is i pull out of my drive way slowly and then cruise about half a block and by that time its almost fully warm. Approx 3-4 min when its cold and 1-2 when its not.
2. As soon as it hits the first thick line where the "C" is i pull out of my drive way slowly and then cruise about half a block and by that time its almost fully warm. Approx 3-4 min when its cold and 1-2 when its not.
11-28-2007, 11:29 PM
#27
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by bforbrian
So driving moderately when the engine is whirrng at idle above 1000rpm is okay?
if what that article says is true..
if what that article says is true..
It probably takes upwards of 30 seconds to get full top end lubrication on a cold day. Beyond that, wasting gas and time- putting hours on the engine, but no miles.
My car is in my garage, so I start, back out immediately (don't want the fumes in my house, since it's attached), sit in the driveway for about as long as it takes the Navi to boot up completely, then I'm off.
I've taken a few vehicles to the far side of 100k this way with no issues. I've got an '80 Z28 with the original stock bottom end on it.
If you want good cold weather protection for your engine, use synthetic oil (5W-20 or 0W-20 if it gets REALLY cold). You can also get a plug-in block heater for <$100. Sure beats wasting gas and idling time.
11-28-2007, 11:56 PM
#28
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The owners manual states to "idle" the car no more than a minute no matter what the outside temp is.
Most of us here use really good synthetic motor oils 5w20, 5w30, 0w20, and these oils flow anywhere from -35 to -65 degrees. Start the car let it sit for a minute to make sure the top end is properly lubricated and drive moderately (under 3k) until it warms up.
I have used this method on 2 Integra's, an RSX, and now my TL. Never once had an issue with oil consumption. You have to drive easy when it's cold, but you have to drive it to warm it up as fast as possible. Also, the tranny, wheel bearings warm up equally when you drive. When you sit and idle it's just the engine. My seat heater keeps me warm enough until the car reaches operating temp.
Also, there is no harm in setting the heat above 80degrees, if the car is cold it's not going to come out warm anyway. Not until the coolant reaches operating temp. It's a waste to turn the heat on until the car is mostly warmed up. If you keep it on during the warm up process it's taking heat away from the engine extending the warm up period driving or sitting still.
So in conclusion:
-Start
-Sit for 1 minute
-Drive under 3k until warm.
Most of us here use really good synthetic motor oils 5w20, 5w30, 0w20, and these oils flow anywhere from -35 to -65 degrees. Start the car let it sit for a minute to make sure the top end is properly lubricated and drive moderately (under 3k) until it warms up.
I have used this method on 2 Integra's, an RSX, and now my TL. Never once had an issue with oil consumption. You have to drive easy when it's cold, but you have to drive it to warm it up as fast as possible. Also, the tranny, wheel bearings warm up equally when you drive. When you sit and idle it's just the engine. My seat heater keeps me warm enough until the car reaches operating temp.
Also, there is no harm in setting the heat above 80degrees, if the car is cold it's not going to come out warm anyway. Not until the coolant reaches operating temp. It's a waste to turn the heat on until the car is mostly warmed up. If you keep it on during the warm up process it's taking heat away from the engine extending the warm up period driving or sitting still.
So in conclusion:
-Start
-Sit for 1 minute
-Drive under 3k until warm.
11-29-2007, 12:07 AM
#30
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
I wait until I have to press "OK"on Navi screen (like clockwork)...then I'm out, keeping it under 3K until it warms up (needle starts climbing towards middle in Temp gauge). Just wasting fuel otherwise, as others have stated! 
11-29-2007, 12:49 AM
#31
im sorry... but are we saying that its actually BAD to let the car warm up/idle ??
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
11-29-2007, 01:05 AM
#32
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Originally Posted by BLACKURA_NY
im sorry... but are we saying that its actually BAD to let the car warm up/idle ??
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
11-29-2007, 01:29 AM
#34
i always let mine run for a few minutes before i drive off. there is a different engine tone when you start and drive. and also just because the engine is warm doesnt mean the tranny is too. so dont idel for 3 min then gun it out of the drive way.
11-29-2007, 02:31 AM
#35
Team Owner
Originally Posted by VQPower37
even if u heat up the engine ... doesnt it take longer for the tranny to heat up? ... isnt shifting the only way to get the tranny warmed up?
11-29-2007, 05:55 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by BLACKURA_NY
im sorry... but are we saying that its actually BAD to let the car warm up/idle ??
I am really surprised by the number of responses from people that let their car sit and idle. Engines warm up quicker by driving. The correct procedure is to drive the car almost immediately. Accelarate slowly and keep the revs relatively low until the car is fully warmed up.
11-29-2007, 06:43 AM
#38
Racer
I was also curious about the balancing of the car. Are the shocks right and left specific? Its been a while since I lowered a car, and I cannot remember. I had a very good friend who carried a little extra weight (over 300lbs). He had a 94 civic hatchback. It was level with him in it until he cut his springs with a hacksaw. Then it was level parked until he got in it. Watching the car drive down the road was hilarious, his side was almost touching the ground. I don't know what they do to balance cars but it works.
11-29-2007, 06:43 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by bmaczo6
Yes.
I am really surprised by the number of responses from people that let their car sit and idle. Engines warm up quicker by driving. The correct procedure is to drive the car almost immediately. Accelarate slowly and keep the revs relatively low until the car is fully warmed up.
I am really surprised by the number of responses from people that let their car sit and idle. Engines warm up quicker by driving. The correct procedure is to drive the car almost immediately. Accelarate slowly and keep the revs relatively low until the car is fully warmed up.
I've always followed that rule on all of my cars. Start the car, think if I locked the front door, then back up and leave the house. Drive slow until I get the temp to rise up and zoooom. Never had a problem in any of my cars. I've had old, used and new cars, foreign and domestic .... always seems to do the trick.
11-29-2007, 08:23 AM
#40
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by BLACKURA_NY
im sorry... but are we saying that its actually BAD to let the car warm up/idle ??
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
every car ive ever owned in my life has remote start... and when its cold. i push that button like 10 minutes before i plan on leaving... great comfort feature as the car (engine & interior) are always warm and toasty.
Yeah, it's a nice comfort feature, but a big fuel waster.