is it true that I should start my engine and wait for 3 minutes in the morning even if it's not cold out? Something about warming the engine up? Should i wait an X amount o ftime before I drive after starting my engine?

 

its better to, dosnt have to be exactly 3 minutes but atleast a couple minutes is good. couple minutes longer the better during winter time when it really gets cold out.

 

I usually let idle for about a minute. When I bought my Civic new, I just started it and took off. Now I have close to 280,000 miles, I let idle for about minute. Just take it easy until it gets up to temp and you should be in good shape.

 

where I live it can hit 90 in summer and -40 in winter. Summer I let it idle about a minute (enough time to put a CD in, light a smoke, adjust mirrors, etc... Winter I let it Idle 5-10 minutes depending on how cold it is. all I can say is thank goodness for block heaters (and if you don't know what one is...just ask I'm sure someone will explain it)

 

I think it's just a waste of gas in the summer unless you live on a busy road and will have to floor it at the end of the driveway. Otherwise just start it, wait maybe 5 seconds, and drive gently thru your neighborhood.

 

a minute usually. read your manual.

 

Recommended warm up time for most vehicles is 30-45 seconds, just long enough to make sure everythings coated in oil. After that, drive conservatively until your temperature gauge reads normal operating temp, then drive normally.