If you need to start your engine during cold temperatures, you should allow it to idle for at least 30 seconds. This is usually sufficient time for the oil to properly lubricate the engine. It is not necessary to idle an engine to let it warm up to full operating temperature before driving. In fact, idling the engine when cold without increasing its operating load can increase the time that the oil remains cold and can cause further friction damage. Cold oil is far worse at lubricating and the quicker it warms up the better. We don't recommend driving aggressively, but putting a load on the engine helps it warm up quicker.