u should at least let the oil get somewhat warm before u just hop in and take off... but i guess if u have to jump in and go... keep the rpms as low as possible until u reach operating temp... what part of sc are u from, im from sumter (scumter) lol... this last week has been horrible... 18 degrees in SC is NOT common. by the way i let mine warm for 15 minutes or more in the morning...