Should he post on this thread at some point in the future, those reading his comments will now know he has an engineering background and may know what he's on about.

Pedant ...

 

A lot of manufacturers, Audi comes to mind specifically, encourage you to start then drive immediately.

This has nothing to do with engine wear, its just that idling doesnt warm up the cat quickly enough to do anything with the emissions. Driving heats the thing up rapidly thus reducing emisssions. Not necessarily of benefit to the motor. I always warm mine for a few minutes and also drive gently for about ten afterwards.

Agree with the marine engineer (?) about low loading of diesels

 

Thanks for the primer then ...

 

If you just let the car idle at the front of your house you're only warming up the engine.

If you get the car moving you're also warming up the geabox, brakes and tyres; which will improve the overall performance of the car.

Just a reminder to the newbies that the temp gauge is for the water, not the oil.

 

The only time I let the car idle for a long time is if it's covered in snow / ice and I can't sensibly drive until it's cleared

 

How DID you guess that??!! Could have worked in a power station!!