Re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America Quote:
Originally Posted by carfreak77 You should always idle when it is very cold, particularly below freezing. This allows the engine oil to warm up. The engine oil can get quite thick (viscous) due to cold temperatures, and it is unable to flow smoothly through engine parts. This can cause long-term engine damage. So, you should wait for it to warm up and thin down so that it can lubricate all engine areas properly.
Even after you idle for a few minutes, it is preferred you drive with a light foot and not revv the engine too much. After you have driven a bit, you can revv all you want! |
If you have a good, long commute, i suggest not to idle very long. All you do is waste precious fuel and your time waiting for the engine components to warm up which takes quite long to come to optimum temperature. Best practice is to start the car, let it go through its checks, meanwhile get set in the seat (start music, gps, adjust seats and mirror, start defroster, heated seats, remove snow if required) and start driving. For first few miles, do not rev it more than 2000-2500 rpm and take it easy till oil reaches optimum temperature. If you have short commute, extend the idling a little longer, say 1-2 minutes, not more than that.
I have noticed, i achieve optimum engine oil levels much faster if i drive at lower revs than let it idle. In 1.5 mile including 2 signals, i have oil at optimum temperature. My G35 has a 2.9 mile commute. I idle it for 1 minute and am on my way. The bad side, horrible mileage.
The above procedure would be for newer cars. OTOH, for old cars, it makes sense to idle for a little longer and then get it started.
My 2 cents. Quote:
Originally Posted by vivekiny2k Definitely, clogged air filter means your engine is struggling to breath. I noticed substantial improvement in MPG after changing mine. The other two things that helped were transmission flush and getting new tires (michelin eco).
No experience with performance filters though.
EDIT: I park in garage, temp probably above freezing, and I never idle. Even when I start from work on freezing evenings I don't, I thought modern cars were free from starting rituals. |
I agree about filters and idling. You don't need to idle newer cars for long before starting. Its just a waste of time, fuel. Newer engines are much better at adjusting than older ones. Quote:
Originally Posted by Technocrat Btw does it makes sense to check the Air Filter(for mileage) which I have not checked so far.
Also any suggestion on changing with stock vs K&N Stock replacement?
I am not too sure about the Short Intake from K&N because as it is my V6 makes a little growl when pushed
Also ordered & received LED bulbs for interiors from Amazon but yet to put them in. |
If air filter was never changed before, it is best to do it now. I will stay with stock. K&N allows more dust and particles to enter, may cause problems in long run.
I found this helpful link (a little old, but gives a perspective). http://forums.nicoclub.com/debunking...r-t180100.html
Do update us with pics of replacement LEDs. I have done the replacement on G35 and its great. Will post them this weekend. Quote:
Originally Posted by amitoj EDIT: Oh and another thing that has taken a toll on mileage in the winters is the pre heating practice. I used to start the car and let it heat up for 5 minutes or so, before driving off. Now i just wait for the rpm needle to come down to the 800 mark before driving off. That happens in 30 seconds or less. |
Your second options is the best. Let the rpm come down, wait 30s-45s and drive off unless it was under heavy snow or sitting for long at one place. New ones don't need to be idle for 5 minutes. Those days are gone. My 2 cents.
Last edited by chevelle : 23rd February 2013 at 02:58.
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