well heres the thing, these are not diesels or rotary motors so they do not have to be warm b4 you drive like my '87 turbo II did. idling causes carbon build up in your motor, so while it is good for the motor to warm it up its really bad to let it idle...most manuals, including the audi manual, tell you that theres no need to warm up your car - its really bad for the motor, enviornment, etc. theoretically its better to drive around in a circle than to let the car stand. if you argue that it has to be at least warm, well how about your tranny and the differentials? if you start up your car in the morning and go easy on it - not over 2500/3000 rpm, your car will be better off.

 

Anybody know of a good engine block heater that can be installed? Or some kind of heater? I thought all cars sold in canada after 19XX HAD to have engine block heaters... but apparently I was wrong. My 2000 doesn't have one... bastards! We had a few days here last winter that were -27 to -30... without windchill (not that windchill affects a car!).

But yeah, I want a heater this winter, if possible.

 

I let mine idle long enough to make sure the oil isnt freezing, and flow a fews secs. Idling on cars is hard for them.

 

at what temperature does 5w40 freeze?

 

if you romp on your car after its been sitting out in the cold you run the risk of cracking the block. very unlikely but possible. and as far as warming up goes.....jeez, its already been said.