Mechanics Tip: Part One: This is something we tend to do in the winter months (that is if you live somewhere cold, like I do), however this little trick is very beneficial to do year round.
Start your vehicle and let it run – even for a couple of minutes before putting it into gear – this allows the oil to circulate throughout the engine which extends the engines running life.
I liken it to us having our morning coffee in order to get going for the day – this is the “coffee” so to speak for your vehicle to start its day and be at its optimal performance.
Starting your vehicle and allowing it to warm up, stops bearing wear and piston to cylinder scuff – which in general terms means it lubricates the inside guts of
the motor and protects it from wear and tear and gives it longevity.
It also allows certain engine parts to expand with heat prior to use – for example: aluminum expands different than cast iron and plastic expands different than aluminum stopping gasket failure.
So, if you let your car have a 2 minute warm up “coffee”, it will be healthier for the motor and be cheaper on your pocket book.
This tip is for any vehicle, whether it is a small or large vehicle, heavy duty equipment, farm equipment, motorbike, anything that has an engine really. You will be glad you did.
A little bit of time and fuel is better than having to replace an engine!
