Well, like the title says, I have less than a 5 mile commute to work. On these cold days the engine doesn't make it up to the normal operating temp. Anything I should do to make sure this kind of driving doesn't hurt the engine? It already has full synthetic changed every 5000 miles, all the other fluids are normal Toyota fluids. Daily I probably don't drive more than 15-20 miles from my house.

Thanks!

 

You'll probably want to adopt the "severe service" regimin on your fluids (every 3K, etc). The biggest problem with the engine not reaching normal operating temperature is the build-up of condensation, especially in the crankcase.

 

just start it and let it warm up before you drive to work or ocassionally take a more scenic route or long drive.

 

X2, nothing wrong with a little scenic drive once or twice a week.

 

well I should add that sometimes I can drive up to 100 miles in a day for work, it kind of comes in waves, hahaha. One week I won't drive more than school and to and from work. The next I'm driving all over the place for work

I was just concerned about the mornings not heating up all the way. I drove the 5k miles from November 1st to now (taking it in this week for the next oil change). So I guess that gives you an idea of how much I drive.

 

I normally drive less than five miles a day as well. I always make an effort to let my truck warm up b/f I leave work. (Even if it is warm outside)

 

You can switch your clutch fan for an electric fan sooo it warms up faster.

 

Yeah, that's really hard on vehicles. My mom has gone through a TON of exhausts because she drives short distances all the time - never gets the condensation dried out of the exhaust system.

I used to have a 1 mile commute - always let the car warm up when I took it, but rode my bike most of the time. Saves a ton of money on gas and maintenance!