Oil consumption

[H. Whelply]

I've wondered about the old idea that an occasional long trip, for a
typically short-trip car, is needed to burn off condensation. Engines run so
hot today, and reach that operating temp in such a short time, it would seem
even a five-mile commute would be sufficient for that burn off.

HW

 

[D H]

I've wondered about the old idea that an occasional long trip, for a
typically short-trip car, is needed to burn off condensation. Engines run so
hot today, and reach that operating temp in such a short time, it would seem
even a five-mile commute would be sufficient for that burn off.

Good point, though I can't say how long it takes. I would think 5 miles
might be a _bit_ soon to not only have heated up the engine to operating
temp but also give the time it might require to totally burn off all
moisture. At least in cold weather, anyway. It's a guessing game, I suppose.

 

[Rick Courtright]

hot today, and reach that operating temp in such a short time, it would seem
even a five-mile commute would be sufficient for that burn off.

Hi,

Depends on overall conditions, but, yeah, there's gonna be a lot less
condensation in a newer engine than an older one--engines are tighter,
crankcase ventilation systems more efficient, operating temps higher,
etc.--and today's fuel management systems allow for far less "runaway"
fuel dilution. For many years, the info I had available to me said it
takes about 10 miles to get oil up to operating temp where it can boil
these contaminants off completely. If you live in a warm climate, such
as SoCal in the summer, it's probably up to temp in just a couple of
miles, but winter in the northeastern US or eastern Canada obviously
would take longer. There are too many variables to come up with a "one
size fits all" answer!

Rick

 

[George Bame]

I've wondered about the old idea that an occasional long trip, for a
typically short-trip car, is needed to burn off condensation. Engines run so
hot today, and reach that operating temp in such a short time, it would seem
even a five-mile commute would be sufficient for that burn off.

HW

I drive approx 5 miles to the office, half of it at 55-65 mph. I recently
traded my 93 Nissan truck for my first Subaru, an 03 Forester (which I
absolutely love!). The Nissan made it 139,000 miles on the original muffler
and tailpipe before a replacement. My girl friend drives her 92 Corolla S/W
about 1.5 miles to work at 30 mph. In 98,000 miles she's replaced the
muffler and tailpipe 3 times.

I also put a lot of road miles on my vehicles, but the relatively short trip
to work with half of it at highway speed seems to help all the working
parts. BTW, the Forester is at full operating temperature in a mile or so.
Then again, I'm in coastal Virginia where COLD is 35F.

George Bame
Norfolk, VA

 

[H. Whelply]

Interesting comparison. I think you're right.

As for mufflers, I can't remember when I last got a new one. I keep cars
around 8-9 years, 100K miles or so, (except for a couple of recent
leases--not doing that anymore) with a lot of stop/go driving. I've often
wondered how Midas and other muffler shops stay in business. Then, again,
I'm in So. Calif., near the coast, where "cold" is 55 degrees F., and it's
going to be well into the 70s, near 80 some places, tomorrow.

HW

 

[Rick Courtright]

wondered how Midas and other muffler shops stay in business. Then, again,

Hi,

People like my g/f's mom help a lot! She's got a '93-'95 Buick that's
still got fewer than 20k miles. She lives in a mobile home park where
the dumpster is about 1/10 of a mile from her coach. She doesn't walk
well, and drives the car there two or three times a week to dump her
trash. A ~long~ trip is a little over 3/4 mile to the supermarket once a
week. That car's on its second muffler... and that's here in SoCal, like
you! Imagine if she lived somewhere cold? I can only imagine what the
inside of her engine looks like.

Rick

 

[GTT]

again,

Hi,

People like my g/f's mom help a lot! She's got a '93-'95 Buick that's
still got fewer than 20k miles. She lives in a mobile home park where
the dumpster is about 1/10 of a mile from her coach. She doesn't walk
well, and drives the car there two or three times a week to dump her
trash. A ~long~ trip is a little over 3/4 mile to the supermarket once a
week. That car's on its second muffler... and that's here in SoCal, like
you! Imagine if she lived somewhere cold? I can only imagine what the
inside of her engine looks like.

Rick

Rick, I'd imagine she doesn't HELP them, she KILLS them. After you buy the
first muffler at Midas, the rest are free. Or at least they were. I
finally went Midas for my '71Corvette in about '83 or so. Sold it in 2001.
Never bought another muffler and that thing went through them annually!
Same reason, driving only 3 miles per day! They lost some big bucks on me!

And it was my personal longtime mechanic friend who suggested that I do the
Midas thing! Cost him a few bucks, but I'm sure he didn't starve!