[chevelle]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by chevelle

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.

I used to let it idle for long to let the car cabin warm up too. Now i just brave the cold for those couple of minutes

[aah78]

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!

Originally Posted by chevelle

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.

Just wanted to add that if you start the car and idle, you just warm your engine oil.
All the other fluids, transmission, differential, etc. do not warm up until you start driving.

[Technocrat]

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.

Would be checking my filter over this weekend & order a stock one based on suggestions here.

In my case the mileage dropped after putting in new Tires as Costco had run out of Low resistance ones & this one had better grip for performance

Originally Posted by chevelle

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 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.


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.

Thanks,
will go for a stock air filter. I too idle till the revs drop, if I wait for the car to warm up then it will take some good time. But the revs don't drop before 2-3 minutes.

I have another thing going on which I am yet to get inspected, My car jerks on cold starts(When I move from P to D or R), if the temperature is normal or the engine has warmed up this does not happen.

One of the forums mentioned that this due to the sudden change in RPM when you move from P to D, not sure though.

Will take the before pics & then take the pics after installation for comparison

[naj]

Hi !!

Just An update.
I am well enjoying the chevy Impala LTZ , Price 12999 , 2009 (( leather and Bose system) I bought couple of months back. Since I stay Rural mid west, I had only a few options.
Special thanks to Chevele and Ninad Joshi for their guidance.

Will send pics ofcourse.

Naj

Originally Posted by amitoj

I have to admit i did not fully understand the key trick either, given that i have a keyless start/stop system (the push button kinds)

Anyway, in other news, I saw today that some refineries are going to switch to the summer blend to offset the increasing cost of gas.

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.

Oh well !! the remote start and stop has worked wonders .
Little did I understand about it when in India, but here its a boon especially in mid west. loving it.

Cheers-
naj

Note from Team-bhp support: Back to back posts. Please use the EDIT or MULTI-QUOTE buttons instead of typing one post after another on the SAME THREAD!

[Jomz]

Damn, Am I the only guy with a 50 mile commute (one way). All of you have 1-5 miles one way??

Wouldn't it be better to bike?? My team leader bikes in subzero temps, he says that is alright as long as there is no snow/ice on the road.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Damn, Am I the only guy with a 50 mile commute (one way). All of you have 1-5 miles one way??

Wouldn't it be better to bike?? My team leader bikes in subzero temps, he says that is alright as long as there is no snow/ice on the road.

I have not seen anyone on a bike here in the past three months!
I guess if the roads are dry and you are well layered up, biking is possible. Heard somewhere up in Canada people actually ski to work!

Originally Posted by naj

Hi !!

Just An update.
I am well enjoying the chevy Impala LTZ , Price 12999 , 2009 (( leather and Bose system) I bought couple of months back. Since I stay Rural mid west, I had only a few options.
Special thanks to Chevele and Ninad Joshi for their guidance.

Will send pics ofcourse.

Naj

Congratulations! Hows the winter storm treating you? I am waiting for it to get here later today. I am going to CT today and will be racing back to beat the storm in the evening.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Damn, Am I the only guy with a 50 mile commute (one way). All of you have 1-5 miles one way??

Wouldn't it be better to bike?? My team leader bikes in subzero temps, he says that is alright as long as there is no snow/ice on the road.

I don't even drive to work, public transport is my best option
I see bikes here almost throughout the year except for snow & when it gets very cold.

I thought of buying one but it would serve me no purpose right now & would just sit idle. May be after a few years.

You drive 100 miles everyday?

[NinadJoshi]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Damn, Am I the only guy with a 50 mile commute (one way). All of you have 1-5 miles one way??

Wouldn't it be better to bike?? My team leader bikes in subzero temps, he says that is alright as long as there is no snow/ice on the road.

[68 miles each way, 4 days a week] + [22 miles each way on the 5th day, or wfh as I wish]

BP and Shell owe me one, mate.

[rajushank84]

My commute is a little over one mile and I still take the car

What, let it sit in the garage instead? No way. Besides, that's a 5 minute drive versus a 20 minute walk carrying a laptop.

I have a friend who is like 4 miles away from work and got a brand new Audi. Then he also got a Harley and uses them alternatively to commute.

Besides, there's always the occasional unplanned lunch drive and the guy who needs a drop after work. A car is just so useful.

[georgesraju]

Friends, I have been long struggling to finalize a choice for my first car in the US. I am looking for a used car, probably of around 2010 model year. At this point, I am confused between a 2010 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima (both with the base engine option).

Handling is one important aspect I am looking for, since I will be driving it a lot and want something that satisfies the driver in me. I have read conflicting reviews which places either one on top in the handling department. I would like to get the opinion of those who have driven both these models and comparison of handling, performance, fuel efficiency, refinement etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Jomz]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

You drive 100 miles everyday?

Yes. Mon - Fri. There any many in our office, who does that.

By Biking, I meant bicycle, not motorbike.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Yes. Mon - Fri. There any many in our office, who does that.

By Biking, I meant bicycle, not motorbike.

I knew people who would drive 100 miles to their work place - like a 90 minute drive. Quite common here. In India, you could be driving 30kms in 90 minutes, comparatively, 100 in 90 minutes is less frustrating.

I drive 5 miles to work, my wife drives 31 miles to her job.. We are planning to shift halfway between our work places. Would save me a lot of kitchen work

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by georgesraju

Friends, I have been long struggling to finalize a choice for my first car in the US. I am looking for a used car, probably of around 2010 model year. At this point, I am confused between a 2010 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima (both with the base engine option).

Handling is one important aspect I am looking for, since I will be driving it a lot and want something that satisfies the driver in me. I have read conflicting reviews which places either one on top in the handling department. I would like to get the opinion of those who have driven both these models and comparison of handling, performance, fuel efficiency, refinement etc.

Thanks in advance.

You cannot go wrong with either. Both are great to drive. Altima a little (almost nil) bit better than Accord in handling is what i felt. But with Altima you get a little cramped seat, 1-2 mpg less and a little less resale value so you can probably get better deal on it. The comfort level in Accord is higher. It may have couple of less standard features than altima.

While the new CVTs in new altimas and accords are great, the older one does have a little rubber band effect. In that case, accord's 5-speed AT is much better.

Keep in mind, the new Altimas are available for as low as $20k (atleast in Nor-Cal) so do your research and get the best deal and don't be afraid to haggle. At some point you do have to see if it makes sense to get the new one instead with these two.

Best way, drive both, pull the plug on the one YOU like. Overall IMHO, 1. Accord 2. Altima.

[rajushank84]

Originally Posted by georgesraju

Friends, I have been long struggling to finalize a choice for my first car in the US. I am looking for a used car, probably of around 2010 model year. At this point, I am confused between a 2010 Honda Accord and Nissan Altima (both with the base engine option).

Handling is one important aspect I am looking for, since I will be driving it a lot and want something that satisfies the driver in me. I have read conflicting reviews which places either one on top in the handling department. I would like to get the opinion of those who have driven both these models and comparison of handling, performance, fuel efficiency, refinement etc.

Thanks in advance.

Of the two my favorite is the Accord. But that's only of the two. In my opinion the Mazda6 has a better handling feel than both of these.