406oc.co.uk

Hi guys,

I was involved in a bit of road rage the other today (not towards me, but I had to get away) and had to rev to 4k under full throttle in first and second gear after about 1 mile of 50mph driving. The coolant temp needle hadn't moved so it was still a cold engine, however it was 20C out so the oil wasn't that cold. Question I have is will that have done any damage? There are no new knocks or rattles and the car is on 105k miles, using 5w40 fully synthetic oil which was changed on 4400 miles ago.

Don't think there are any issues and I know it's a pretty bulletproof engine but just wanted to ask your opinions.

Thanks

Benjamin

No it'll be fine, don't worry

There is no way any damage was caused under those conditions but you're right to be concerned. To be fair I believe most of us are far to kind to our engines in this way, sure I'm the same as you and drive gently to begin with etc but then I only have to remember the way my missus drives: over 4K from a *cold* start in winter and her cars always run sweet (she has less trouble than most) I gave up trying to educate her about oil temps etc.

I think in general engines are extremely tough and the oils nowadays are very very good at protecting parts.

As an example we had a Transit Diesel at my previous job years ago (the old 2.5 clattery diesel) and that poor thing was ragged horribly from cold/hot/warm no-one cared about that van and most tried actively to kill it by sitting on the rev limiter.....one day something went and needed the head taking off.....we all went down to see the damage to be greeted by....nothing! the cylinder bores still showed the cross hatching (honing) marks.

I have been having to drive like that for a number of years now, both with my 306 and current 406. I could sit around upsetting my daughter's neighbours at 1am waiting for it to warm, but I believe that would probably do more long-term damage. (I join the A1(M) into a 60mph speed limit which everybody seems to travel at 70+ when I am trying to join. ) I have never had a problem doing this, although I will agree that I may now have an engine only good for 250k as opposed to 350k miles.

With modern fully synthetic oils I think that it's not as much of an issue as it used to be.
When I start the car I wait 30s for the oil to reach all the places it needs to. I drive it gently until it's upto temperature but on the odd occasion I do have to put my foot down I don't worry too much.

During the winter I change to a 0w30 oil for a little added cold weather protection. The oil will flow easier when cold and protect parts sooner. Autumn/Spring I use a 5w30 oil and when it's hot 20°c-25°c+ I will use a 5w40 oil.
To be fair a 5w30 oil all year round would be adequate but I feel like I'm doing my engine some good!