Occasional starts during “hibernation”?

[washguy]

Here's a decent read on cold weather starting.....like I said starting a car in negative 30 temperatures is not the best choice...Im sure if you live in the Great White you a least use some type of block heater? why sure the battery is a concern,but the premature wearing out of a motor over time is possible in negative zero conditions....Im not saying im an engine guru by any means...but I wish I had the money I spent on all those racing engines for my car and two race boats.......it was a heck of a of ride though.....Wash

https://jalopnik.com/nascar-engine-expert-explains-why-you-should-warm-your-1832245942

 

[GRStinger]

A good (albeit lengthy) article. But it confirms my understanding - and instincts: letting it warm for a couple of minutes and then drive a bit before 'pushing' it. Fits into my routine on cold mornings of going in the garage, firing it up, then back inside for an OJ and to make a cup of coffee for the ride. BTW: I found Jalopnik after a recommendation from a friend when I was researching the Stinger. A "no BS" car site. He said "if Jalopnik likes it, it's legit". They did.

 

[SteveCo]

And I'll continue driving off at a relaxed pace, shortly after starting - which is also referenced a good ways in to the article.

But what about the key question: Should you idle the car for a few minutes to let the oils get up to temp, or should you just drive it lightly pretty much as soon as you get in, as is suggested in the Business Insider story? Well, the answer is “either” according to Randolph, who told me:

Idling for two minutes like I suggested versus idling for 30 seconds to one minute and then driving lightly initially are essentially the same. Either is fine.​

I think everyone is in agreement that you shouldn't be (to paraphrase one Mrs. Costanza) treating your car 'like an amusement park', until it's had a chance to come up to temperature ...

 

[MerlintheMad]

Idling for two minutes like I suggested versus idling for 30 seconds to one minute and then driving lightly initially are essentially the same. Either is fine.

That is exactly what I have taken away from this back and forth over "which is better". Once my oil gauge shows 100F plus, I allow myself moderate acceleration, i.e. normal driving. Once the engine temperature is all the way up, I can become "spirited".