Hi I have here a stupid question for you guys today, and although it doesn't really affect just my silverado, I' wondering if it hurt to let your truck idle and warm up for like 10 minutes each day. I thought it wasn't good for it, but its been like -40 C, and i have been arguing about this. Will it hurt anything to let it sit in idle or what would you reccommend?

 

Won't hurt it a bit; in fact, in those temps it is good for it.

Allan

 

Idling in the mornings to warm up the vehicle is fine...
Always be aware of where you are parked though, as the exhaust system can get extremely hot and can ignite grass,leaves or brush under the vehicle even in winter
Also beware of any snow blocking the exhaust pipe, its possible for the exhaust fumes to build up in the vehicle, or in an enclosed garage or car port...

 

okay thanks, I only asked cause when I search it up I find a bunch of people saying it can build up sludge and stuff in the oil and stuff like that

 

Yikes! Is that -40 C what the mercury is saying, or wind chill? -40 C is -40 F as well, brrrr!! Short trips where the engine doesn't get very warm is what can build up moisture and sludge. Drive soon after starting the engine in those temps, and it will probably never heat up.

 

go to full synthetic oil and start plugging in the block heater for those temps.

 

I have been plugging in but i still got 5w30 regular oil in it. I didn't want to do an oil change with still 50% life left. will that hurt? how do i make sure my block heater is working? it starts ok either way

 

measure the ohms of the block heater element. it should be around 35ohms.



depending on the model year, it may have a thermistor in the heater cord. If this is the case the the cord will be open the circuit if the temp is not below -18*C.