help!!
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: minnesota
help!!
Okay, so I have a 2001 Lexus es300, and I am planning on driving it to school. I live about 2 miles away from school. Apparently my dad has other plans for me, and says that he doesn't want me driving my car such short distances and therefore, wont let me drive it to school. I told him, that I am willing to start it, and let it warm up at least 10 minutes before I drive it, to help with the engine....I just need some more help to convince him so that I don't have to take the bus! Any good thoughts or ideas for me? Thanks!
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Welcome to CL.....and to CAR CHAT. 
DON'T warm up the engine by extensive idling before putting it in gear......most engines warm up more quickly and efficiently under load while driving slowly. And driving it slowly and gently when cold warms up the transmission and differential fluid, too......that doesn't happen when you just sit idling. Some cars have transmission sensors that delay upshifts until the engine/transmission fluid warms up a little (usually to around 140 degrees, the low-normal end of the temperature gauge). In that case, keep the speed down so you don't run the RPM's up too much when cold.
Of course, Minnesota winters can be extreme, with sub-zero temperatures. In that case, you SHOULD idle it a little before taking off......maybe for a couple of minutes. But, even then, it is usually not necessary to idle 10 minutes. In really cold temperatures, a block heater and/or synthetic oil is best.
Since you will only be going a few miles before shutting the engine off, it will be only minimally warm....probably not warm enough to keep the oil and fluids clean. So, to compensate, you'll want to run the car long enough on weekends to get it good and warm.
DON'T warm up the engine by extensive idling before putting it in gear......most engines warm up more quickly and efficiently under load while driving slowly. And driving it slowly and gently when cold warms up the transmission and differential fluid, too......that doesn't happen when you just sit idling. Some cars have transmission sensors that delay upshifts until the engine/transmission fluid warms up a little (usually to around 140 degrees, the low-normal end of the temperature gauge). In that case, keep the speed down so you don't run the RPM's up too much when cold.
Of course, Minnesota winters can be extreme, with sub-zero temperatures. In that case, you SHOULD idle it a little before taking off......maybe for a couple of minutes. But, even then, it is usually not necessary to idle 10 minutes. In really cold temperatures, a block heater and/or synthetic oil is best.
Since you will only be going a few miles before shutting the engine off, it will be only minimally warm....probably not warm enough to keep the oil and fluids clean. So, to compensate, you'll want to run the car long enough on weekends to get it good and warm.
Last edited by mmarshall; Aug 22, 2009 at 08:53 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: MN
Speaking as a dad, you should sit down with him and see if its just the issue of not using the car. Maybe he is concerned about your grades? He could also want to you to realize that your still a great person even if you have to take the bus (sometimes its easy to hide some of our self worth behind what we drive). Take some time to listen to his side and what you can come up with. I'm sure he loves you and just wants to do what is best for his daughter!
Last edited by roegs; Aug 22, 2009 at 09:44 PM.
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My son had limited use of my RX300 while I had the LS400 he could only drive it if it was a real necessity for him to drive. The bus was literally door to door for him and had a bus between buildings (class was three miles away in a different town) He also had a strict understanding that "You are on my insurance as long as your record is clean. Otherwise get your own insurance and pay for it" I taught him responsibility the hard way and it worked out very well.
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