Warming up an engine: is it better to shift early or late?

Question

I have a fuel-injected car, so I don't let it idle to warm up (I wait for 30 seconds or so for oil flow). I drive lightly, but I'm wondering what is better for warming up an engine: late shift resulting in higher, but lower demand revs, or earlier shifting, resulting in low, but torque-demanding revs?
My normal driving is early torque-demanding revs; I keep in mind my cruising speed and use that as my shift point (i.e. if I'm cruising at 35MPH, I know the engine revs around 1700RPM, so I'll use 2000 RPM shift point to keep the average rev-range around 1700RPM)

Dan · Accepted Answer

Shifting earlier will be better.  High revs are harder on an engine.

Not pushing the accelerator as much will be much better for the engine and transmission.

thebax2006 · Answer

It's fine to shift anywhere from 2,500 rpm to 4,000 rpm at anytime. Lugging the motor by shifting too soon will carbon up the motor. Once the motor is warmed up it's even good for the motor to rev it to 5,000 rpm when merging onto the expressway.

Robert M · Answer

It is about OI CHOICES are mostly! HONDA OIL is SPECIAL! The use of AMSOIL for HONDA, TOTAL ENERGY OIL for HONDA or MOBIL ONE for HONDA will be BIG help to you! It is NOT needed to wait for even a few SECONDS unless it is below zero out there! OTHERWISE< start and DRIVE AWAY! WAIT for engine to fully warm before you put car through paces! GOOD LUCK!

Humveetech · Answer

I start my car & pretty much slam it in reverse as soon as it starts.  I drive like I stole it constantly.  It doesnt matter, oil circulates as soon as the engine is started.  If it wasnt, you would hear rods knocking

Alicia · Answer

Just drive like you'd normally do.

Anonymous · Answer

Neutral is fine

native · Answer

late

JJ · Answer

It matters not, the difference is meaningless.

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Warming up an engine: is it better to shift early or late?

8 Answers