Originally posted by bgailitis:
Typically it is tougher on the car to let it sit still and warm up. On all but the coldest of days one should try to drive it to put a load on the system. The load will get the engine warmed up faster. You should not hit it while it is still cold but it is better to drive then to let it sit. Letting it sit means it takes longer to warm up then necessary and starve those cylinders of necessary lubricate



What you've said is absolutely and factually correct.

Engine warm-up under moderate load is the best way to do it. Not only does it result in a more complete and uniform heat transfer to all critical engine components, its uniform-heating benefit extends to the entire powertrain. Once your temp gauge is solidly in the "nominal op" range, your powertrain is at peak operating temp.

I've been driving cars with high-compression engines for 15 years. I learned long ago that putting an unevenly warmed-up engine under a wee bit too much load is the best way to immediately terminate whatever remaining lifespan your head-gasket MAY have had.

Although the under-load, engine-warmup "protocol" is especially important for hi-comp engines, it applies to any vehicle with a conventional gasoline or diesel engine.