Hi, I hope this isn't a stupid question... but after reading how the RX-8 should not be turned off when cold, it brought a few questions to mind:

What about when your car is parked behind the wife's and you just need to move it to the road so she can get out?

What about when you are 2 minutes in your drive to work and you want to stop for coffee... do you have to leave the car running somehow?

Driving 5 minutes down the road to the supermarket in this car is a bad idea? (I don't mind taking my wifes car for these things... or even better, get her to do it! haha)

Basically, do people avoid cost stops AT ALL COSTS? or is it about minimising these?

 

Research it more if you actually want to know. If you want an easy answer, don't turn it off unless it's warmed up.

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

You're overthinking it. Assuming your engine and ignition are healthy, and you have the circa 2008 ecu software, you can do whatever you want.

If they're not healthy, or it's the dead of Canadian winter, then you need to take special care and know the de flood procedure.

However, lots of short trips (engine running cold a lot) will contribute to carbon buildup and are not best for long term engine health.

 

Loki hit it on the head. If your ignition system is good then it should not be a problem unless you have a really low compression engine.

I move mine from one side of the driveway to the other a few times a month and ahve no starting issues at all.

 

I've always been afraid to see whether the "don't turn off cold" is really a problem. The key to going by the book is to wait until the temperature gauge has reached its normal warm position. The grocery store is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles away, and that's enough of a run (even in the winter) to reach that point. So 5 minute grocery runs are fine. Never had a problem.

Nor did I have a problem one time when I went to a wedding at a church half a mile away, and the gauge was only halfway there...

Ken