Cold running the engine - does it make sense or is it superfluous?

In many (actually in almost all of them) Newer vehicles with a combustion engine under the hood is a turbocharger installed. Since this is very stressed when the engine is running, it needs special treatment to keep wear and tear within limits. Many therefore ask whether the "drive cold" One possibility is. After all, it is also a matter of course - at least for us tuners and petrolheads - that you have an engine "runs warm“Before you let the proverbial“ pig out ”. Even if some manufacturers see it differently. This article explains the term "go cold“And tells you whether it is really necessary or whether you can do without it.

Turbocharger is exposed to high loads

In the meantime, not only current diesel vehicles are equipped with an exhaust gas turbocharger, but also the majority of gasoline engines. The turbocharger increases the performance of the engine by supplying it with additional air. Due to the construction, however, it is in operation high stress exposed since he was with up to 300.000 revolutions per minute shovels the extra air into the engine.

Since it uses the engine's exhaust gases for this, the turbocharger is also available extreme temperatures exposed up to 1.000 degree are that with a gasoline engine. And that's exactly why the car should be after a long time Full throttle cannot be turned off immediatelybecause the lack of airflow can cause heat to build up (overheating / standing heat) in the engine compartment, which has a negative effect on the life expectancy of the turbocharger.

Careful handling of the turbocharger can extend its service life

To protect the turbocharger, you should always drive with you low speed / low speed and, as already mentioned at the beginning, you should warm up the engine at a low speed at the beginning of the journey. Incidentally, the focus here should not be on the "water temperature", but rather on the "Oil temperature". However, the cooling water temperature must of course also be kept in mind.

Furthermore, it must be ensured that the oil level is checked regularly and that the oil change is carried out at the recommended intervals. And if you keep your vehicle constantly exposed to excessive engine speed and exhaust gas temperature, for example with the help of a chiptuning suspends, you have to reckon with restrictions in the life of the turbo, since this overclocking puts a heavy load on the turbo charger.

"Ride normally"? Then no cold start is necessary!

Became the vehicle ganz normal moves, such as the usual swimming in city traffic, then a subsequent cold run or let run cold not necessary. The same applies, even if after the ambitious drive on the motorway the last few kilometers only with partial load (so with little speed) have been completed. If, for whatever reason, cold running is not possible, you should at least leave the engine on for a while run after leave. The cooling by means of an electric fan and the lubrication is still better when idling than when the engine is switched off directly. Nevertheless, you have to know that the oil pump, for example, is idling due to the lack of low speed too little pressure and therefore does not deliver enough oil to the lubrication points. And one should also consider. let that run after like warming up that too, forbidden is.

Tips and information on running the engine cold:

• if no Cooling trip was possible, then do not park the car immediately after driving fast, but let it run while stationary (the turbocharger can cool down) - Caution, forbidden if too long!
• even in warm ambient temperatures is a decent one Cool down phase important for the engine
• ideally drive at low speed for the last few kilometers and then afterwards 30-60 seconds let run after
• Oil and water temperature should be at a level of about 80 ° C then the engine can be switched off
• If the oil temperature is too high after the engine has been switched off, oil coking can occur
• Short-distance operation is detrimental to any combustion engine
• Ancillary units such as the clutch, transmission or drive train also benefit from cooling

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

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