1zz-FE warm-up time after cold start?

[msanford]

I noticed that my Matrix, on a cold start, idles around 2 000 rpm for a bit before it returns to the warm idle of about 900 rpm (or so, just under 1 000).

I was wondering how long I should let my car warm up for before putting it in gear and driving off. Or, should I limit RPMs until the engine warms up? (If so, what at limit and how long?)

By cold start I mean engine off for a while, but in the summer in a parking garage. What about warm-up times in the winter, which is likely different?

Thanks!

PS I usually use 5W-30, if that changes your answer.

[Smar969905]

it is good to let any vehicle sit without going anywhere for about 20 seconds, then keep rpms low for the first 5-10 minutes of driving, low meaning under 3k. once past that initial period, the engine should be warmed up enough that you can race it.

[msanford]

Perfect! That's pretty much what I've been doing, only I've been leaving it much longer to warm up. 20 seconds sounds reasonable.

Thanks!

Lastly, what about in the winter? Should I wait until the engine temp needle starts to move a bit at least?

[02zx9r]

in the winter, i start the car, let it idle maybe a minute then drive keeping the rpms low until water temp guage comes to normal, granted the oil takes much longer to come up to temps. up to 30 minutes and 20 miles normally