I agree, not long! I am sure there are folks in both camps, I guess whatever you personally feel is better for your engine. The turbos & engines in the RX-7's really ran warm, so starting up and cooling was a big issue. .

 

Actually Chief its 30 to 40 sec's usually for proper oil flow and lubrication throughout the engine for mild climate. You probably spend that much time just getting comfortable in your A3 before taking off. (seat belts, radio, windows, climate control, seat heaters). I think the warmup becomes more of a issue if your oil hasn't been changed at frequent intervals. [sm=shades.gif]

 

Remember boys, if you are using synthetic oils in your engines you should not have to worry too much for getting your car to warm up so the oil can go from the bottom of the pan to the moving parts. Synthetic oils were built to leave a protective coat on all moving parts to protect them in low temps, and in high temps. They are supposed to last a little longer then reg. oil and out preform all other types of oil in all types of extreme temps. I read that some where i just dont remember where.

 

i dont warm up, no point. I've even heard stories from mechanics that warming up can be bad for the car. if you just drive, it warms up faster, so everything reaches operating temp sooner. With iron blocks and aluminum heads its especially important to warm up as fast(aka, DRIVE IT)as possible due to different rates of expansion. the sooner they are at opperating tempature, the sooner tolerances are where they are supposed to be, etc....

 

This is the most accurateadvice so far,100% right,Audi themselves even tell u in the manual not to warm-up,jus drive off,they make the cars in Germany forchrist sake, they could tell you about some real bad weather.(not that ive read the manual)

 

On this subject. I now we don't have the near the same kind of weather as our Canadian brethren or MidWestern kin folk here in Maryland. But, I noticed on the really cold mornings we've had recently - the instrumentation readouts seem to be functioning a tad slow. Both for the center dash information center and the radio. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed it? Is it just because the circuits are cold and the nanos are not quite moving that fast or should I ease up on the alchohol.

 

the manual says specifically u don't need to warm up, i think that speaks pretty boldly...

 

Same here, my radio and trip computer are alittle delayed when I first start my cold car in the mornings. But its a tad delayed, could barely notice, you have to really look. I noticed this happen in alot of vehicles actually when its VERY cold. Doesnt bother me, it quickly stops.

 

Actually, let me make that clear. Its the illumination that is a bit delayed.

Like when I scroll thru the radio stations specifically, it goes to the station without a problem, but the illumination is slow, again when its very cold, and goes away almost immediately after the car is on.

 

True, but you will also notice that the emphasis is on lower emissions as the way the guidance was written, the overheating part is common sense, you don't let a car idle for long periods to make your car inside warm. Thats what heated seat option is about. Still if your at a sub-freezing area and the motor runs rough when you immediately take off, then you need to wait a few seconds more. I do like the A3 doesn't have any problems taking off immediately compared to other cars in mild climate. The DSG is amazing in this aspect.