Is it bad to drive for short distances?
 

I live very close to work and the driving commute will be under 1 mile. I plan to walk most of the time but want to drive on rainy or very hot days. Is this bad? Should I drive a couple miles around before going to work?

No, and no.

I think you are underestimating modern cars a bit :/

potato

what is this thread..

It's not necessarily bad, as long you change your oil more frequently. Engine wear occurs most when you're driving on a cold startup, so just don't drive too hard during that 1 mile stretch. Driving short distances like that doesn't give your engine enough time to warm up to proper operating temperatures either.. *the temperature gauge isn't a good indicator of "proper operating" btw.

Also from what I've learned, unburned stuff from the fuel builds up when operating under temp.

What is wrong with people

Well your contribution isn't exactly helpful.

I dont drive my car hard during the first couple minutes anyway. But from what Ive read, it's just bad to drive for short distances and turning off the engine.

I would have to change the oil more frequently because more stress is put on the engine, right? By this logic, wouldnt it cause more wear to the engine?

you might see a drop in your mpg

Yeah if your car is never getting up to operating temperature due to all the short drives I think it's a valid concern. I don't see why people are being snarky about it. It's a valid question.

I would personally walk all the same though if the work commute is less than a mile, even if it's raining or if it's hot.

As mentioned ... U want to bring the engine up to operating temps so it burns off moisture in the oil.. Because you start to get the oil hot on a cold engine... The temp diff cause condensation and other nasty chemical reactions happen.
What you need to do is drive it every now and then to operating temps .. And change ur oil more frequently.. You will be fine.. It can take it.. Just not ideal..

Maybe every few days take a little bit of a longer drive coming home after work. Do that and I wouldn't worry about it at all.