Improve Fuel economy by reducing engine warm up time idling.

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

http://www.pocketbookpinch.com/automotive-money-saving-tips/improve-fuel-economy-by-reducing-engine-warm-up-time-idling/

You have to remember that when you are idling, you are getting ZERO MILES PER GALLON. The less you idle, the better your fuel economy.

To those of you that live in a climate that doesn’t go down to -30c/-20f, this in part will not be a huge concern for you. But some parts of this article will be relevant. A lot of people note that in the winter, the amount of kilometers/miles they get per tank drops quite considerably. To help stop a portion of that fuel economy loss, some simple tips could drop your fuel costs by a noticeable margin.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

Google · Sponsor

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

I have to let my old Volvo warm up a little before I kick it into gear. If I don't it runs ragged, doesn't accelerate well, just generally runs nasty, if its below 10F. Just a few minutes, though, maybe five. Gets right up to temp then. Typically, if its going to be colder than that, I plug the engine block heater in. Poor thing won't even crank if I don't do that, and its gotten to 10 or 20 below overnight. Anything over 20F, though, by the time I get it started, out of the garage, and the mom and dog in it to scoot her to work, it's ready to go. That's on the advice from my mechanic, and he's the top Volvo mechanic in the Northeast, been working on them for God knows how many years. Mine's also a true Swedish model, so slightly different rules apply.

I do agree, letting your car warm up for a half hour is just a waste of gas, you're not accomplishing anything. Most of us here that have a clue get our late fall oil change and have winter weight oil put in, and swap out to hotter-burning winter spark plugs.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Yea, and plugging in your car overnight is a huge hit on your power bill.

One-two hours max will allow it to start and using proper oil is key.

The savings will add up.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Power bill here is so huge already, I barely notice it.

I'll pop out at midnight and plug 'er in, only goes for six hours. I only have to do that if its brutal cold, though. Haven't had to use it yet this year, and just once last year.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

buy a block heater timer, they are about three bucks and do it all for you.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Thought about it, but I'll be getting rid of this car before the end of the year, won't pass inspection in November. Front floorboards are starting to rot out. Not bad for a 21 year old car, though.

I'll get another one, probably an early '00's Volvo, from my mechanic for a nice price, and if things work out the way I hope, I'll be in a warmer climate by summer anyway.
_________________
Big enough to scare you