Warming up a Range Rover?

Question

I live in Chicago (where today's high is negative 3) Anyway, my husband drives a Range Rover. This morning when I told him to warm up his car, he actually laughed at me and said he didn't need to. He "claimed" the car's owner manual said warming it up is actually bad for the car. Because the car is so complex, it actually does more harm them good when you warm it up. Coming from a family of machanics, this is the most asinine thing I've ever heard. Can anyone out there back his claim or support my side? Thank you!!

Thank you guys. My husband is an investment broker, he knows nothing about cars. So, I was convinced he was making stuff up (as usual!) I guess I should cut him a break, huh? THANKS !!

Answer 1

Most of the newer cars need no more than 30 seconds to warm up, so your husband is right to not warm up the Range Rover every morning. Besides, a cold engine will warm up faster when the vehicle is being driven than when idling. He is better off driving "gently" for the first few miles to get the oil flowing. For older cars it takes a bit longer, so you are also right about taking the time to warm up some cars. For your husband's car, it is a huge waste of gas to idle it every morning to warm it up. Especially a car that uses so much gas. He's saving hundreds of dollars a year by avoiding that idle time.

On another note, my sister owns a Range Rover and just sent me a J.D. Power and Associates rating that I found surprising.

JD Powers and Associates gives Land Rover its lowest ranking in their "Automotive Environmental Index" (see link below). Surprisingly, it even ranks below the Hummer.

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2006147

Answer 2

I disagree with the two previous answers- yes- there is an issue with the catalytic converter if you leave it idling for extended periods. But when it's very cold out, there is still the issue of all the fluids in the engine and transmission that might need a minute to get flowing again. Even a newer car can stall out if you try to drive it right after starting up in cold weather. Having said that, the best way to warm up a car is to drive it slowly under moderate load (after you can put it in gear without stalling).

Answer 3

Sorry. The guy wins for a change. "GO GUYS!" The newer vehicles are designed to run lean. That means less fuel. To allow the car to idle for an extended period of time will not only cause premature failure of the catalytic converter, but also make the EPA very upset. Get in and go, unless it has leather seats...burrrrrr.

Answer 4

I dont know if it actually does more harm than good, but it certainly does not require being warmed up. Engines nowadays are more sophisticated than they used to be.