Actually GM has stated the piston slap causes premature
detoritation. The very definition of piston slap should tell
you it isn't that great.

But you have my interest, what in idling is bad for a motor.
So if I'm in rush hour should I shut it off, how about redlights.
Ok that was smarta$$ but let me hear your perspective.
What is different today that makes warming up bad.

 

It's been in the 30s lately so I let it run for about 5-10 mins so I can defog the windows and get my seat warm. In warmer weather, I just start it up and go.

 

All the mechanics I know say to wait at least 35 seconds for oil to circulate , I also read it out of one of my old car mag's

 

I start the car and it idles stationary till I get the seat belt on.

I then back the car out of the shop, giving it very little throttle, maybe 1500 rpms.

I then use the same technique to get the car rolling. I live at the top of a hill, so I kick it out of gear and coast to the first stop sign. I repeat this till I get to the bottom of the hill.

All totaled, it's probably 2-3 minutes.

If it's freezing outside, I don't drive it because I only have a 30% mixture of Dexcool. The car stays inside an insulated shop till the temps are up.

 

The days of waiting for a car to warm up are gone. I think the last time a car had to be warmed prior to driving Kennedy was still President. Thats a fact and not opinion. A popular magazine a while back(in which I agree strongly) stated that most manufacturers are against warming a engine. The rule of thumb to go by is, as soon as the car has oil pressure, then it is safe to drive. Idling a car is not good and creates uncessary wear & tear. Another reason is warming partially. The engine, trans, and driveline should all be warmed and used as one. You can easily can ruin your car if you have a full 200* for the engine, yet a cold trans and cold rear-end. Plain and simple. When I get up in the morning, I start the car, let the computer adjust the idle, and drive off.

 

If it is cold outside, I always let the car warm up for at least a minute. If it is warm, when the idle changes, I take off....,

 

I start it and let it run for about 5 seconds while I put the seatbelt on. I then put it in reverse and back out of the garage. I try to keep the rpm's below 2000-2300 until it is up to temp.

 

I let mine warm up for 10 minutes in the winter. I've been doing this for years with various vehicles and have never once had any mechanical problems that could be related to warming up my car in the morning.

Anything over 40 and I just start it up, wait for oil pressure and go. Anything under 40 where my windows are iced and I can see my breath then I warm it up for 10 minutes to get my car nice and toasty.