Yeah, good old Dad again. And once again, it's pretty solid advice.

"It gives the oil a chance to get where it's going, into the head and valves," says Duchene.

"Cold starting and heat cycling is what kills cars."

It's better for you, the driver, too. No one likes to get into an icy auto on a winter's morning.

-- Text by Jay MacDonald, illustrations by Brandy Kesl.