I drive about a mile to work everyday. While convenient, the car doesn't get a chance to warm up totaly. I turn it off only after it clears the letter C (I think) on the temperature guage, just to make sure it's warmed up a little bit. So far, no problems, but I'm wondering if this is doing any harm, or setting me up for future problems. Thanks!

 

Important to at least every third day, drive it for at least 15 minutes or more to "cook off" the moisture in the exhaust system and oil (1/2 hour is better) - that short trip stuff is hell on letting moisture build up and the moisture reacts with combustion sulfides to create sulfuric acid in the engine and exhaust system which corrodes hell out of everything. That's why short trip cars typically go through exhaust systems and why you shoudl change oil at least every 3 months if you're a short tripper.

 

don't forget about killing batteries.

 

Since you should be avoiding high revs while the engine is cool, you may not be revving it enough to remove the deposits that build up on the exit ports in rotary motors. Recommend you drive it hard at least once a week once it's had 10-15 mins to warm up properly.

Gotta say I'm also a little curious about why you would risk such high wear driving when you could walk there in ten minutes. Must be true what they say about no one walking anywhere in the US huh? :D

 

i'll give you my old GT Dyno to ride to work. it's got foot pegs in the front and rear...great for "bike" pooling.

 

Take the long way to work... drive 5 miles instead of 1. Redline it every other day. Honestly, consider walking or biking during nicer weather... I'd kill to have a 1-mile commute.

 

most consider "warm" to be:

The temp needle is at its normal operating position for at least 5 minutes, to allow heat soaking of the engine a bit.

 

maybe get a turbo timer. it will keep the motor running for a predetermined amount of time after you shut the ignition off. one can be had for around 100 or less, and install should be no more than 100 if done by a professional shop.

 

Walking in a suit and tie, even though only a mile, is not fun. It's a busy street and doesn't have much of a sidewalk, Plus, I wouldn't feel safe walking down the street at 6am with all the drivers just starting to wake up for thier commute. Lastly, after working a 12 hour day, a walk home also doesn't sound fun.

Besides I spend to darn much to not drive this thing every day! :p

Also, it sounds dumb, but because it's leased, I don't like putting any more milage than I already have on it, thus is why I don't drive the long way. It may only be 5-10 more miles a day but that adds up real fast!

Thanks for the good advice as always guys.