Oil is more viscous in colder temps, especially at 0f and below. The oil needs to rise from the pan and up into the pistons, the piston seals assume a certain v

Oil is more viscous in colder temps, especially at 0f and below. The oil needs to rise from the pan and up into the pistons, the piston seals assume a certain viscosity of oil. You want to have as little stress as possible until the oil reaches even just room temp. While revving the engine up won't immediately destroy it, that heat does not transfer from the pistons to all of the oil simultaneously. Synthetic oils have a wider temp range where they maintain viscosity and lubricating properties. Of anything, always recommend good quality full synthetic oils for cold climates.