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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TANSTAAFL" data-source="post: 4391765" data-attributes="member: 27098">I've had 20 year old vehicles, lived in much colder climates. Cold starts are also a big concern if you want to keep a vehicle a long time. Not trying to negate any of the advice here.Heat is generated not from combustion (unless you have a Stanley Steamer or the rare Chevy Nova with an External combustion engine) it's generated by friction, the enemy of all engines. If you have an older gasoline vehicle that is EFI (electronic fuel injection) they will start at "high cam" and operate at a higher RPM for 30 or so seconds (about 1200 RPM) then slow down to 600 RPM. Let the engine run the routine, if it goes longer tap the accelerator and the engine will idle slower. You should be good to go, just drive sanely and keep the revs down like others have stated. Carbureted Engines are a different animal. May want to let it warm up for a few minutes for proper cold throttle response without stalling. Oil and your engine can heat up while driving, you will have wear regardless of the car idling or driving. If your really finicky, let it idle for 5 or 10 minutes. If you have an automatic transmission driving helps to heat that up to. Avoid short trips, let everything get to operating temperature (typically when I have watched transmission temp and oil temp about 15 minutes.) Change your oil often, moisture, idling, cold and hot do make your oil break down faster. Make sure you have the proper antifreeze for the time of year, as well as the proper thermostat. For oil changes if the Manufacturer recommends 10,000 miles, I change the oil when it's dark or at 5,000 miles. Have an older car with a shorter interval? every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. If the manufacturer recommends a lighter oil for winter use, do it, otherwise just use what is recommended in the owners manual. Check the oil level often as well. I try to do it once every two weeks if I am driving often. 20 y/o vehicles tend to leak and burn oil. Newer turbo motors tend to burn oil, even Toyota's.Hate the cold? Let your car idle (low cam) and let it warm up to blow hot air out the vents. Just remember, running time is one factor in how many miles your car will last.I hope to keep my current vehicles a long time, or get a lot of miles out of them. Many have good ideas here. The goal is not to abuse the car or truck. Be gentle when starting, occasionally run it high speed.Worst cold weather experience I had was with a 1970 Delta 88 two door, turbo 400 transmission, Olds Rocket 350 with 110,000 miles. After sitting outside in single digit temperatures all day the timing chain slipped and bent every valve in the engine. I've had many cars. The ones I have driven sanely and taken care of lasted many miles.</blockquote>

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