Proper cold start warm up procedure | FerrariChat
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Proper cold start warm up procedure

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Threeofnine, Oct 6, 2025 at 1:03 PM.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    438
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #1 Threeofnine, Oct 6, 2025 at 1:03 PM
    What is the best procedure when beginning a drive after a cold start? I’ve heard multiple different opinions, some say don’t drive until the coolant reaches operating temperature, some say wait until the coolant temp reaches the first time while others say drive immediately after start up. Which is better for the longevity of the engine? Obviously you want to keep the rpms low until the engine is fully warmed up.

    I typically start the car and let it idle for 20-30 seconds and then start driving. I drive very gently until the coolant temperature is up, trying to keep the RPMs under 3K. I don’t drive aggressively until the oil temperature rises to the first line.
     
  2. DWR46

    DWR46 Formula 3
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    Jun 19, 2012
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    #2 DWR46, Oct 6, 2025 at 5:27 PM
    What model Ferrari are you talking about?
     
  3. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    438
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #3 Threeofnine, Oct 6, 2025 at 5:41 PM
    sorry, totally forgot to mention. US Spec Testarossa
     
  4. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
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    Central NJ
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    Dominick
    #4 flash32, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
    This is perfect


    I typically start the car and let it idle for 20-30 seconds and then start driving. I drive very gently until the coolant temperature is up, trying to keep the RPMs under 3K. I don’t drive aggressively until the oil temperature rises to the first line.

    Just a minor adjustment to wait until 160 degrees or so in oil if even possible ...hard to do in the testarossa especially in cold
     
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  5. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    438
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #5 Threeofnine, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:53 PM
    that’s the problem, getting oil to 160 is near impossible in the winter. The only time it will happen is if you let the car idle for a significant amount of time, but it will drop back down to 140 as soon as you start moving. I imagine these are sump temperatures and the oil temps at the bearings are significantly higher.
     
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  6. DWR46

    DWR46 Formula 3
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    Jun 19, 2012
    2,060
    #6 DWR46, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:55 PM
    In moderate conditions, I might let your TR warm up at about 1,500 rpm for 60-90 seconds before driving and then just do what you are already doing. With a Boxer and somewhat earlier technology, I extend the warm up to about 2-3 minutes, the same as I do with 250,275, 330 cars.
     
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  7. Chindit

    Chindit Formula Junior
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    Oct 18, 2008
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    Navarre, Florida
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    Nick P.
    #7 Chindit, Oct 6, 2025 at 8:46 PM
    I've always followed this rule: Let the car idle until the water temperature is off the peg. Then drive gently at moderate RPMs and throttle inputs until the water temp is in the "low end of the normal range". Drive normally after that. I've followed this method for many years, in all of my (water-cooled) cars and motorcycles, and it has always worked for me. I don't pay quite as much attention to oil temperature when starting, as it takes longer to come up. But I do keep it in my crosscheck and will stop driving if it doesn't come alive within a few miles of starting.
     

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