Reynaud

"Ryan" <nomoremail@netzero.com> wrote in message
news:IESyd.249706$V41.213638@attbi_s52...
>I keep seeing and hearing different opinions about this:
>
> When it's cold outside (say 32 degrees or lower), what is the best way to
> get a car going after it has been sitting and the engine is cold?
>
> Years ago I read an article from some Q&A article in the newspaper. These
> two guys said it's better for a car if you just get in and go. For
> starters, the car will warm up quicker...plus there is something about
> that
> it's easier on the engine. For years I have always drove this way...get
> in
> and go. After about 1.5 to 2 miles, the car is at normal operating
> temperature. Well, a co-worker at work said that you actually want to
> leave
> them run to heat up the oil. His opinion (this was mostly for older cars)
> was that if you don't allow the oil to heat up, it might ruin the
> transmission.
>
> So I am asking folks here: My previous car did have some transmission
> problems, but that occurred after 100K miles. I know that the previous
> owner did let it sit and heat up. I didn't, and I now wonder if it
> eventually caused problems. This was in a V6 with 5w-30 motor oil. I now
> have a 2000 Grand Am V6. This summer I switched from 5w-30 to 10w-30 Max
> Life oil since the engine has over 100K on it now. The car actually runs
> pretty well. I want to try to keep it as it will be paid off come
> February.
> So, to the folks here....what is the best way to drive a cold car in the
> winter? Let it warm up fully? Partially? Or just start driving and have
> it warm up quicker? Is the cold oil that big of a problem with the
> transmission? Granted I have not had a problem over the last 4 years,
> however I am now using a heavy oil (first time using it this
> winter)...could
> that make a difference?
>
> PS: My owners manual says nothing about this in the book. At least not
> what
> I could find.
>
>#%*
Most people in Man. where it gets real cold just warm the vehicle for an few
minutes and then drive slowly till the heater starts throwing heat
thereafter normal operation.

Rey