Here's a question, I only live 6 miles from work and I go in at 6 am and sometimes work until 8 or even 9 pm. I do go home for lunch ever day to let me dogs out. My question is will all this short driving have any negative effects on my S ?? I drive approx 25 miles a day in 4 trips for the most part. On the weekends I do take long drives and work the engine fairly hard. My car is still brand new with only 1350 miles and I'm concerned about the long term with these short trips. This is most likely a totally stupid post

TJ

 

If you read the manual you will see that this type of use qualifies your car for the "severe conditions" schedule, which requires more frequent maintenance (oil changes, basically).
You may want to consider buying a "beater" car, since your commute is so short and reliability or mileage are not a real issue in your case, this will save your car A TON of daily "wear and tear" (if you plan on keeping your baby for the long haul).
Cheers,
Daniel
P.S.: Also consider doing a differential fluid change right about this time. (do a search on this topic).

 

I had a friend with a similar situation when driving his Porsche 944 Turbo. The distance was so short, his car wasn't even up to the operating temperature by the time he got to work. The oil was still cold too. So, he'd leave early and and drive a few more exits down and come back so that the car was warmed up.

A beater sounds nice too, but if you can enjoy your car more in the way I describe, go for it

 

I have heard (and this IS annecdotal, but it was from an airplane mechanic.) That if you do not run your car for at least some repectable peroid of time that deposits from combustion will collect in the exhaust system and cause it to deteriorate more quickly.

Either drive out of your way, or get a beater.

 

The cold starts and short trips are not ideal for mechanical longevity, but it would make little sense to change your life to attempt to implement a change with some unknown benefit for the car in the future. Enjoy the car and your short commute, follow the severe maintenance schedule, and don't worry about it.

 

Timed it today at lunch and it's 7.2 miles and takes 15 minutes. I looked in the manual and this does not meet the severe maintenance guidelines. I guess I'm alright then. The only time I wouldn't want to drive my car is in severe weather, I've my Rav4 for that.

Thanks,
TJ

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tjohn
[B]Timed it today at lunch and it's 7.2 miles and takes 15 minutes. I looked in the manual and this does not meet the severe maintenance guidelines. I guess I'm alright then. The only time I wouldn't want to drive my car is in severe weather, I've my Rav4 for that.


Tjohn: I would still suggest that you follow the severe maintenace schedule, is cheap insurance for longevity. Just my 0.2 cents
Daniel

 

I'm planning on it. Thanks!

TJ

 

 

7.2 miles? Get a bike and use the car for long fun trips.