Hi everyone, i've just got my 8 and i've been doing lots of research about how to take care of it.

I've learnt to let it warm up before driving for the first start of the day.
But the questions i have are;
(1) Do i have to wait before driving if the engine is already warmed up, during the day. ( Not the first starting for the day)
(2) How long do i have to wait before turning the engine off after starting if the engine is already warmed up, since when i wash my car, i'd have to start the car, drive it to the washing bay for 30 seconds, wash, after 10 mins bring back to my slot and dry. Do i let the car run in idle for whole 10 mins or turn it off during washing ?
(3) On which gear, should i rev it to red zone? Is gear 1 fine? As most of the streets around me have 60 km/h limit. reving to red lines with even gear 2 will get me over 60.

Deepest respect to all the members of this forum, hope you guys can enlighten me

 

Here are the rules I follow:

1. Stay below 3500 rpm until oil temp is at operating temperature. Remember that your dash gauge is coolant temp, not oil temp. It will take 5-10 minutes for oil temp to reach its operating temperature.

2. Never turn the car off before it is warm. This is to prevent flooding. However, if you have a strong ignition system, you will not likely have any flooding issues.

3. Premix 4 oz. per tank.

4. Don't let idle to warm up. It is always best to drive the car to warm up fluids. Idling for extended periods will increase the chance of cat failure. Also, your trans and diff fluid won't get warm by idling.

If you follow those rules, you are unlikely to have issues.

 

If you really want to be good to your engine then get some real gauges; water temp, oil temp, oil pressure.

You do not have to wait to drive even when the engine is cold: Don't subject a cold engine to a heavy load or high RPM. When oil temp is up then you are ready to push it.

Drive it till the oil warms up before shutting off if you want your oil to stay healthy but You only need partial warm up of the engine to avoid floods.

I love entering a highway ramp in second or third for redline runs.

 

1. You don't need to let your car sit at idle to warm up before you drive. I start it, wait 10-15 secs for the rpm to stabilize and then I go but I dont go over 3-3.5k rpm

2. You do not damage the engine by turning it on and off at the car wash or filling gas etc. It is just like a piston engine: It can be turned on and off AS long as it is somewhat warm. Do you really think mazda would've built an engine that cant be turned on and off frequently for daily driving?! People who don't have 8's will tell you all types of B.S.

3. You dont need to wait before turning the engine off after driving it since it is already hot.

4. The only time you have to wait to switch it off is if you started the engine cold and you want to switch it off after 15 secs, for example just to move it, then you would have to warm it a little. Once the needle moved you should be fine to switch it off. If you are paranoid, let the needle touch the C of the gauge and you will be just fine.

Most important is to feel your car. You will know when it is at risk!

Cheers buddy enjoy the new ride! Welcome to the addiction. You will want to keep this car forever.

 

thank you guys for all the suggestions

 

I highly recommend you read the first 9 posts in this thread: New and Potential Owners START HERE! - RX8Club.com

 

Congrats I think where both in the same boat just bought my 8 yesterday

 

Awesome suggestions indeed. I just ordered my BHR Ignition system and stoke to receive then install it!

I went to Advanced auto and bought the coil pack and wires and was very very disappointed.. I did not read the forums before I went and did it.. After it started running like hell I hopped on here and realized the mistake I made lol..