SCHM1AN Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 So I just moved closer to my new job, and as a result, I'm 4.5 miles away. It still takes me close to 10 minutes to get there due to driving through residential areas, but I'm starting to wonder what the effects of this will be on my car. I still get my oil up to operating temperature for a few minutes before I shut the engine off, but I'm wondering if this will be enough to declassify my new morning commute as "bad" or "short". If I need to take a longer route to work, it really wouldn't be the worst thing in the world-- I love driving Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rao Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 When the temp is below 0 that is definitely too short of a trip. Rob IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR CAR YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE IT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob-2 Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I was told less than 30 miles is a short trip and what is required for the oil to get hot enough not to collect water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRSCobra Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I'd go by run time rather than mileage. 4.5 miles on the freeway at 65mph would mean the engine is only running for under 5 minutes. Around town is different. When I was in the army, I worked less than a mile from where I lived. Made multiple trips to and from work per day for over a year and it had no effect on the car. If I were you, I'd let the car warm up for a few minutes on colder days and change the oil every 3 months or even less to keep the condensation issue at bay. Also, you can expect your exhaust to rust faster. Since it doesn't get hot enough, the condesion will corrode it from the inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCHM1AN Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 I was afraid of that. Crap. Looks like I'll be taking a "U" shape to work instead of a straight line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 If you take a long trip once per week it's enough to clean out unwanted stuff. And it takes 20 to 30 miles to get the whole system thoroughly warm in the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_ster Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 yea don't be a baby .. short trips are fine.. just give it a good beating at least once a week like you would your wife Now that's thinking out of the boxer! fyi all 05 + legacy's have built in code reader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCHM1AN Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 yea don't be a baby .. short trips are fine.. just give it a good beating at least once a week like you would your wife Ha! I just chuckled a little bit out loud at work. I'm thinking I'll probably just do the once per week runthrough and then once or twice on the weekend to be safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloz2 Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Same situation for me. I'm used to driving about 25 miles to work, but just moved about a mile and a half away. Lol. Current: 16 Crosstrek Premium w/ Eyesight & 05 Outback XT 5MT Past Subies: 14 FXT Premium, 14 WRX hatch, 06 Legacy 2.5i SE 5MT, 98 Outback wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinlsb Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Same situation for me. I'm used to driving about 25 miles to work, but just moved about a mile and a half away. Lol. Walk! you and your car will live longer;) "Belief does not make truth. Evidence makes truth. And belief does not make evidence." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_ster Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 long board to work !!! its also a good creaper bed Now that's thinking out of the boxer! fyi all 05 + legacy's have built in code reader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloz2 Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 lol. It's a bit far to walk IMO, but I am considering purchasing a bike. It'll be faster than walking and still good exercise. Current: 16 Crosstrek Premium w/ Eyesight & 05 Outback XT 5MT Past Subies: 14 FXT Premium, 14 WRX hatch, 06 Legacy 2.5i SE 5MT, 98 Outback wagon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avenir Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 lol. It's a bit far to walk IMO, but I am considering purchasing a bike. It'll be faster than walking and still good exercise. I live 2.1 miles from my front door to my office. Riding my bike takes about 10 minutes (mostly downhill) and walking takes about 25-30. The only time I drive to work is during poor weather and the winter (Michigan winters...). I let the car warm up for 15 minutes or so before I leave in the AM during the cold months. I highly recommend biking or walking when you're able. If anything, you'll drop a few lbs and save gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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