Engine warm up time.

[Phil1980]

I drive a 2005 GTI and I have always found it warms up pretty quickly, 10mins maximum, obviously depends on what speed you are driving at, and also outside temperature but half an hour seems like something may be faulty.

[Egbutt Wash]

Basic engine thermostat perhaps?  The brass thing that sits in the coolant, it might be stuck open.  Cars take ages to heat up when that has failed.  They are also really cheap and easy to fit.

[Lap]

Well the commute consists of 30 mph for about 5 mins until I get to the motorway and then I'm on that for about 15 mins at 70 mph. I would've thought that would be quite favourable for warming up.

I suppose the thermostat could be stuck open but in my experience, when this happens the car takes ages to warm up and may even hit normal temperatures when going slowly but as soon as you go faster, the air flow brings the temperature down. That isn't the case here. Once it gets to 90 oC, it doesn't budge whether you're stuck in traffic or on the motorway.

Might give the garage a call. Wish I had Phil1980's car!

[AlanD]

Depends on the drive aswell. In the mornings I pretty much drive out my road into traffic and it's all very stop start and can take ages. I've driven to the office on a weekend before with no traffic and warmed much faster than usual. I think for this reason mine also takes quite some time to warm up.

Nick, the only reason yours warms up so fast is because you drive it everywhere like you stole it

[Gene Hunt.]

My 05 GTI used to take ages to warm up in this weather,after a 7 mile drive on an A road to work it was still only around a 1/4 on the temp gauge.
Changed to an 08 Edition 30 last week & what a difference,same journey to work & gauge is on the correct temp & hot air through the vents (& seats) .
I think the thermostat was faulty & for what they cost if your car is taking ages to get warm it would be worth changing.