I'm a believer in, once running, and the oil pressure is up then it's time to go. But I let it roll up into top gear without using the accelerator, and don't give it any fuel -- if possible -- until the thermostat opens.
Even then, remember that the oil is not yet warm, the trans fluid, wheel bearing/suspension/steering grease, etc is not yet warm. And the drive axle is not yet warm.
In warm weather, I figure 20 miles steady-state driving, in cold, 35-plus before ALL components are as warm as they're likely to get.
Of course, I drive a 1971 Chrysler, not a computer-controlled, sort-of-like-a-car, and the problem of cylinder wash is magnified on a carburetted motor versus EFI, but the principle holds.
In towing, this is only magnified for the first few miles.
Don't forget hot shutdown, either. Another problem that most ignore.
Even then, remember that the oil is not yet warm, the trans fluid, wheel bearing/suspension/steering grease, etc is not yet warm. And the drive axle is not yet warm.
In warm weather, I figure 20 miles steady-state driving, in cold, 35-plus before ALL components are as warm as they're likely to get.
Of course, I drive a 1971 Chrysler, not a computer-controlled, sort-of-like-a-car, and the problem of cylinder wash is magnified on a carburetted motor versus EFI, but the principle holds.
In towing, this is only magnified for the first few miles.
Don't forget hot shutdown, either. Another problem that most ignore.