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How Long For A Remote Starter To Warm A Car?

With cold winter temperatures in full swing, warming your car before leaving the house is key to a comfortable drive. Warming up your vehicle also helps improve engine performance and lubrication, reduce wear and tear on the engine, and more!

If you have a remote starter, you may wonder how long it will take to warm up your car. In this guide, the experts at Team Nutz provide advice on the best warm-up times for your vehicle and how you can protect it during the winter to ensure optimal performance.

What is the Ideal Warm-Up Time for My Vehicle with My Remote Start?

Whether you’re using a remote start or sitting in your vehicle to start it, the minimum warm-up time for your vehicle is to wait for the engine idle speed to decrease.

Starting a fuel-injected vehicle in cold weather typically idles from 1,200 to 1,400 rpm, whereas in warm weather, the idle speed may be anywhere from 500 to 900 rpm. It’s important to remember that the coolant temperature sensors located in the engine will directly control the vehicle’s idle speed.

Listen to the engine speed or look at the tachometer on the dash when you start your vehicle on a cold morning. Take note of how long it takes the idle speed to decrease. This can take 5 to 10 seconds on warmer days, but it can take a few minutes on colder days. When the RPM decreases, that is a sign of some heat in the engine. The amount of time it takes to slow down is the ideal amount of time for allowing your remote starter to warm your vehicle.

The particular remote starter you choose does not factor in much, though there are a wide variety to choose from. For example, some remote starters pair with smart phones, and other remote starting solutions provide two way communication with your vehicle unlocking further benefits.

Keeping an eye on the temperature gauge on your vehicle’s dash is a good indicator of the engines temperature as well. When it reaches about half way, this is the safest zone to begin driving.

Why Do We Warm Up Cars and Trucks?

Many people warm up their vehicles so that THEY wont be cold. While this focus does increase comfort, it is arguably more important for your engine to be warm enough to perform without blowing seals, and to ensure desired fluid viscosity from the increased heat.

Why Remote Starters Are More Efficient Than Manual Starting

You can start your vehicle while putting on your shoes and coat and gathering your belongings. By then, the car and engine will likely have reached an adequate operating temperature, and you’ll be ready to go! If you opt for a remote starter with rear window defrost, heated steering, or seat controls, your car will be warm and toasty for your commute. Discover additional benefits of remote starters!

Cold Weather Driving Tips for Ultimate Performance

Pittsburgh has a typically cold winter, with many days dipping below 40 degrees. You can’t just hop in and push the pedal to the metal when the temperature is low. On the other hand, you don’t have to wait long enough for all fluid in each system to be at its full operating temperature, as that could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes and would be a waste of fuel.

Starting your car and idling it is a slow way to warm the engine since less heat is produced. Using the warm-up timing suggested in the last section is sufficient. However, we recommend you be easy on the throttle inputs and keep a lower speed as the engine continues to warm up on your drive.

Extreme force on your engine in frigid temperatures can lead to issues. When the engine is cold, the gaps between the bearings are not stabilized, which is critical to helping maintain proper fluid/oil film. With a proper warm-up, the appropriate fluid thickness is achieved, providing the right amount of protection to prevent wear on the engine.

Cold Weather Engine Protection: Maintenance Tips for Winter

Winter’s freezing temperatures can affect your vehicle’s engine, leading to potential performance issues or breakdowns. To keep your engine running smoothly during the colder months, follow these essential maintenance tips:

Check and Replace Engine Oil

Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it harder for the engine to circulate lubrication efficiently. Switch to synthetic oil, which flows better in low temperatures and protects against cold-weather engine wear. Check your vehicle’s manual for recommended oil viscosity.

Inspect the Battery and Charging System

Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, making the engine’s start harder. Check the battery’s voltage, clean the terminals, and ensure the charging system is in top condition. If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it before winter.

Turn Off Unnecessary Electrical Accessories

Before starting your engine in cold weather, turn off any unnecessary electrical accessories such as automatic headlights, the radio, heated seats, or climate control. This reduces the battery’s draw, allowing more power to be directed toward starting the engine, especially in freezing temperatures.

Keep a Set of Jumper Cables Handy

Cold weather can drain your battery faster, increasing the chances of getting stranded with a dead battery. Always carry a set of jumper cables in your car and know how to use them safely in case you or another driver needs a jump-start.

Use a Block Heater in Extreme Cold

For regions with harsh winter temperatures, a block heater can help warm the engine before starting, reducing wear and improving efficiency. Plug it in a few hours before driving for the best results. Typically block heaters are only used for diesel engines.

Remote Starter Installation Services in Pittsburgh

For even greater comfort and convenience during the winter months, Team Nutz offers professional remote starter installation in Pittsburgh, allowing you to warm up your vehicle before you even step outside.

With a remote starter, you can start your engine from the comfort of your home or office, ensuring your car is heated and ready for even the coldest days. This adds convenience and helps protect your engine by allowing it to reach optimal operating temperatures before driving.

Contact Team Nutz today to learn more about our expert remote starter installation services and enjoy a warmer, more comfortable ride this winter!