How long a run (either miles or time) is needed for RX to prevent ill effects of short runs?

Salim

 

You know, the engines are so controlled by the computer, that the ill effects are minor. In cold climates it could be a factor in that condensation wouldnt burn off, Short runs in slow traffic could put more wear and tear on the tranny.

 

The two issues I can think of in short-distance driving are boiling off the water condensation and keeping the battery charged.

A drive that gets the engine (and transmission) hot enough to boil off the water condensation (in all climates) every week would help, in my opinion. That isn't all that much driving. Also, change the oil every 6-months or less, regardless of low mileage.

The starter uses battery capacity in starting. If you drove only at night (i.e., with headlights on), used a lot of electrical accessories, etc., you might get to the point where the battery was not getting adequately recharged by driving the short distances. But that is probably unlikely.

So, one measure is to run the car to the mid-range on the water temperature gauge. The time or distance required will vary depending on outside temperature, etc. This is probably much more than needed to eliminate the water condensation, but there is no other indicator I know of.

 

Salim, are you referring to the ECU? Because if so, that usually will take about 100 miles of driving to fully cancel it out, but reseting the battery or EFI can do that as well. Then first 10 minutes of driving usually gets a program, but it takes 100 miles to fully get the ECU to adjust its driving habits.

 

The question is multifaceted .. including multiple short runs and long-intervals between runs.

a) Closed system .. other than burning fuel ... recharge the battery .. so battery health.

b) Time needed to vapourize the water produced due to combustion in the exhaust.

c) lubrication issues (if any)

d) Rubber seals/tires/etc

Salim

 

c and d I would scratch, I don't see too many issues there. Oil would be a slight one, but you'd have to go a lot of miles (in the thousands) before you would see some wear issues there (due to heat). As far as the vapor, I haven't seen that issue in mine. Battery health issues I usually don't see either. Issues I usually see there are when somebody lets it sit for more than a month and there can be the infamous 1 AM syndrome on the clock.

Fuel consumption is the big issue there.