I use auto start, gives me about 45 seconds to get in truck, put seat belt on put into gear. I would think the 5-20 oil is circulating at that point . Thoughts?
Everyone wants to peel an onion and apply to day to day reality. Sure, there have been strides of progress made in motor oil technology in the past 70 years.
My take on it is slightly jaded. I went to a premium school to be taught by the very best of the best at San Jacinto College in Deer Park, Texas. This campus houses training facilities for some impressive leaders in the automotive world.
My own experience was the GM training facility. There, we were taught from the base level of electron/ molecule (I'm exaggerating!
to the level of mastering the subject. This insured a thorough knowledge of automotive diagnostic skill and repair acumen.
Some seemingly complex issues were boiled down to very simple levels of science and engineering insights. Many old notions were dispelled.
Over the years, I've discovered that few, if any subjects evoke stronger emotional responses than motor oil type, use, etc. This subject is like the social subjects which really don't have solutions, but do spark heated debates.
I routinely start my car and give the oil "a chance" to reach all points distant in the engine before loading it. Is that necessary? According to the Gurus of GM school, no. My thoughts on the matter is "will my habit harm anything"?
Even these "Gurus" admit that, no, it doesn't.
One of the engineers said that the API rating shown on the container of oil was probably the most important bit of data. Hmm, I don't know. Said engineer also explained the use of a synthetic polymer which allows for multiple weights in oil based upon temperature. He went on and explained that oil in and of itself never breaks down, but becomes ineffective as contaminants slowly build up as the oil ages with use and additives degrade.
An interesting factoid was how the use 10W40 oil used in the diesel engines of yore (Oldsmobile conversions specifically) was causing the piston rings to fill with carbon, and ruin the engine. I was replacing those engines under campaign/ recall/ warranty back then. GM issued a bulletin and began to discourage use of that specific weight combination of oil across the board. Who knew?
As 4 decades since have come and gone, we are currently faced with many more ridiculous lubrication issues in several brands. GM and RAM cam/lifter issues, KIA/ Hyundai sludge issues just to name a few.
Maybe my old school habit of warming up my engine IS unnecessary, but I'd rather err on the side of caution.
