30 second warm-up time?

[robn]

Hi,

I just got my EX35 two days ago and am wading my way through the manual.On page 5-10 it states that you should "allow the engine to idle at least for 30 seconds after starting".This seems to imply that you should sit parked for 30 seconds before moving off, is anyone actually doing this?

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there and Welcome to NICO!

It's always good to have more EX owners here, IMO it's a great car Good choice.

I cannot speak for most owners but you should let it warm up a bit. 30 seconds would be ideal but impractical in most cases. The new engines reach closed loop pretty quickly, they do idle pretty high for a little while but the idle drops once the car is taken out of park.

Maybe some of the other owners here can chime in on their own experiences.

[allthatjazz]

Now that the weather is getting colder, would a block heater be the best way to go?

Never had a block heater on any of my prior cars, so not sure how much of a hassle it would be.

[SteveTheTech]

I really do not know to be honest with you, there are several people in Canada here manybe they can chime in and I will do some searching to see what the ideal thing to do is.

[specialist23]

it's always a good idea to warm up a vehicle before using it but 99% of the time, people don't. just as long as you're not pushing it hard, then you should be fine.

even bmw has something on some of their M vehicles where it shows the optimal temp right on there and you shouldn't drive it hard until it's been reached. but the infinit's get warmed up within 2 minutes anyways and so just control yourself for 2 minutes. ; )

[Supercourse]

... would a block heater be the best way to go?Never had a block heater on any of my prior cars, so not sure how much of a hassle it would be.

Just noticed this while googling something else ... AFIK all Canadian Nissans and Infinitis have a block heater fitted at the assembly plant. It is just not obvious, because the power cord is bundled up and tie-wrapped somewhere for you to search it out. Just a matter of locating it, removing the zip tie, and routing it to wherever you prefer to have it come out of the grille area. Use existing clips or your own zip ties to keep the cord away from moving parts and hot things. Then plug it in. Best to have it arranged so you would trip over the cord if you forget to unplug it. A block heater is great for minimizing engine wear on cold starts, even in mild weather, and allowing you to gun it down the 401 soon after starting up.

[njcu]

Hi,

I just got my EX35 two days ago and am wading my way through the manual.On page 5-10 it states that you should "allow the engine to idle at least for 30 seconds after starting".This seems to imply that you should sit parked for 30 seconds before moving off, is anyone actually doing this?

You should wait for it warm up in any car. It gives the oil time to thin out and allows the engine block to warm up slowly. Especially during cold mornings.

I don't really bother during the summer because the fluids are pretty warmed up to begin with. BUT you shouldn't accelerate hard in any vehicle you have just started up even if it's warm out though. Have to give the oil a chance to do it's thing. It's not good for the car long term.

My Elise has a temperature controlled REV limiter from factory because of this, have to wait even on hot days for it to warm up before I can drive it normally. (or spiritedly )