I just purchased a 2010 HHR SS with 85k miles on it. It is the first car with a turbo that I have owned. The other 2 "sporty" cars that I have owned were supercharged. (SVT Focus and Lightning) So forgive me if this is a dumb question.

What is the rule for letting the car idle before puting in drive and before turning it off after driving? I have heard a lot of different opinions.

Since I don't know exactly how it has been treated in the past I want to make sure I take every precaution to make it last as I LOVE this car. Any other advice would be welcome as well. Thanks.

 

The last turbo I owned I would let it idle to ensure the oil was circulating for one or two minutes and after a drive let it idle for the same time , never had a problem in 106,000 miles I owned that 1985 LeBaron GTS Turbo.
No that was 30 years ago, so now I would check your owners manual for that info

 

These turbo cars are not the turbos of yesteryear with their oiling and heat problems associated with the turbocharger.

As a rule, when cold, I always crank mine up and let it idle till the rpms settle. Usually 1-2 minutes.
As far as turning it off. Always a good practice to let it cool down. Especially if you just ran it hard before stopping.

 

Awesome. Thanks guys.

 

Nope they are not, the same George, but the start up/ warm up and cool down/ shut down , still seems to be the same, even after all these years.

 

I have worked on a lot of over the road trucks (30 years) all with turbo's. I've never seen a turbo failure due to a lack of "cool down".
I start my SS up, when it's cold out, to warm me up when I get in. When I stop to go shopping or on a trip, I just shut it off.
Use synthetic oil for my application, which is recommended for the SS.
Start it/Drive it.
Enjoy what you own.