quote:
Originally posted by TooSlick:
Chris,
I have factory installed oil temp and oil pressure gauges in my Audi 100 sedan. When the temps are below freezing it takes 10-12 miles for the oil to come to an equilibrium temp of about 190F. I'd say any trip less than ten miles clearly falls into the severe service catagory, particularly in the winter. You will get more fuel dilution, moisture and general oil contamination under these conditions. Some of these newer hypereutectic (sic) aluminum pistons are quite loose in the cylinders when the engine is cold, hence the piston slap you see discussed. This also means you are getting more "blowby" while the engine is warming up.