Daily driving suggestions.

[Special Coupe Frank]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Since it is only 4 miles to work you will not be getting the engine up to full temperature. I would suggest at least twice a week go for longer drives to warm the engine thoroughly and/or change the oil a bit more often.

Here-here !

You want to get the engine up to full operating temperature, and KEEP IT THERE, for at least 20 minutes once or twice a week. This helps "boil" condensation and unburned fuel blow-by out of the oil. Also the exhaust system.

If you do a mostly short-trip driving, I would also suggest installing a 160* thermostat in the upper radiator hose. This will help get your engine to operating temperature quicker, and make for happier running / longer life.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) defines "short trip driving" ( where the engine never reaches operating temperature, or doesn't stay there for at least ten minutes or more ) as "severe service" when it comes to oil change intervals.