Motorway with a cold engine

Relentless81 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:09

I'm just wondering what others do.

I live less than 5 minutes from the motorway so when I reach it my engine is still cold, I generally try and keep it under 3k but sometimes with the flow of traffic you need to rev the car higher and maintain a higher speed and revs (3k rpm = 60mph in 6th)

The oil is always clean looking and the cars history is full main dealer so I often think its ok to go over now and again as surely manufacturers think about these things but I cant help but cringe a little when I know the engine temp is low and the revs are high

Luke · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:12

It's pretty much unavoidable from what you've written.
I think if you aren't revving it stupidly up until the motorway I don't think you'll be causing too much damage at all.

snowball1 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:14

Wouldn't worry about it, modern engines can easily cope.

Matt82 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:14

when cold, the main thing is keep the load low, ie throttle input to a minimum.

the number of revs you use is not as critical (ie 3999rpm being safe but 4000rpm isnt, obviously isnt the case)

just dont go booting it, be light on the throttle until it has heat into it

Relentless81 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:19

I wouldnt really say I was worried I am just curious as to what others do, the throttle/load thing is interesting

Django x2 · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:23

I just get my ass into 6th as efficienty as possible to keep the load low, then just let her warm up. Remembering though that 6th gear at 2krpm for me is 70mph anyway

lordrobs · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:26

Moderate throttle up to 70 then whack on the cruise. TBH I don't think you can do it too much harm with regular use like that.

GinG · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:54

bang into 2nd, rev through the gears till I hit 80mph...never once had issues in any cars

not like they are highly strung/tuned into the inch of their life.

Benihana · 28 Apr 2011 at 15:57

Guess you could let it warm up on the driveway first as an alternative suggestion?

Lashout_UK · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:02

Benihana said:
Guess you could let it warm up on the driveway first as an alternative suggestion?

Better to just get in and drive it

I wouldn't worry at all Relentless, as long as you're gentle with it, and not loading it up excessively, you won't do it any harm.

tigerstyle · 28 Apr 2011 at 16:34

Keep driving around your block for 15 minutes every morning instead

This sounds like more of a winter orientated question anyway, it's summer now, cars already half warm in the morning!

Relentless81 · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:02

Not really, I live so close to the motorway it only starts to warm up just as i'm getting on it and thats coolant temp not oil temp

Like I say I was interested in waht others thought of it, its clearly another case of car related paranoia

Dave M · 28 Apr 2011 at 17:19

It's plenty of time for the oil to get around the engine, just try to use the slip to accelerate, rather than cruise down and booting it to join the motorway. If you have to sometimes due to a tool in front of you so be it, it won't hurt now and then.