Which way would use the most fuel ?

chaparral

chaparral

chaparral

Caporegime
Joined
27 Nov 2005
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25,493
Location
Guernsey
My drive to work and home everyday is only about 2 1/2miles so some my car engines don't even have time to warm up properly in the colder months before get to work place...


Which way out these 2 do you think would burn more or less fuel due to a cold engine would burn more fuel because the auto choke would be on ?

1) Start the engine and leave it idle for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up before driving

2) Start engine and drive it straight away
 
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Most modern cars tell you not to sit and idle the engine, mine does.

Can't you just take a longer route to work?
 
I wouldn't worry about it as the savings between say 20mpg and 40mpg over such low mileage will be fairly low. Not worth the hassle of waiting 5-10mins IMO.
 
paradigm said:
Most modern cars tell you not to sit and idle the engine, mine does.
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That strange because it always been best to warm the engine up first before using higher rpm's

And some cars even limit the max rpm's you can reach when the engine is cold..
 
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Of course, but we're talking about driving it, not racing it. There is no benefit to idling the car for warm up, you're simply running the engine in a sub-optimal condition for longer. It will take 10 times as long to warm up while idling compared to putting some load on it by driving.
 
Clarkey has hit the nail on the head. Driving it will put load on the engine and warm it up far quicker than idling.

Idling is not as good for the car as driving it.
 
Ultimately it will take it's toll on the car. Obviously the lubrication quality of the oil isn't fantastic when it's cold and thick so wear will be higher. Cold start enrichment will bore wash the motor and dilute the oil with fuel. Condensation will form and emulsify the oil filling the engine slowly with nasty mayo. The exhaust will fill with condensation too and rot out quickly.

On the flip side, 4 miles a day walking is great for your body.
 
chaparral said:
That strange because it always been best to warm the engine up first before using higher rpm's
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Pf course you do, that is why you let it reach operating temperature before giving it the beans.

chaparral said:
And some cars even limit the max rpm's you can reach when the engine is cold..
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That is to protect the engine from idiots that think is is ok to thrash an engine from cold. Many cars including mine will not let it rev over 4k in neutral when cold.
 
Clarkey said:
Ultimately it will take it's toll on the car. Obviously the lubrication quality of the oil isn't fantastic when it's cold and thick so wear will be higher. Cold start enrichment will bore wash the motor and dilute the oil with fuel. Condensation will form and emulsify the oil filling the engine slowly with nasty mayo. The exhaust will fill with condensation too and rot out quickly..
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That the problem over here as I only do between 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year...

Where I guess most you UK mainland guys clock up 8k to 10k in 3 to 6 months
 
Clarkey said:
On the flip side, 4 miles a day walking is great for your body.
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acemastr said:
Get a bicycle and stop being lazy
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Dis86 said:
Or even walk it. Jesus.
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challengedavid said:
2.5 miles, 30-40 mins walk, or 10 minutes on a bike,

this is the way forward IMO
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And how many members on here would walk 5 miles when they own a car and need to go to a shop or somewhere that is 2 1/2 miles away...;)

I drive roughly 150 to 200miles miles per a week that would take around 50 to 60 hours to walk
 
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chaparral said:
And how many members on here would walk 5 miles when they own a car and need to go to a shop or somewhere that is 2 1/2 miles away...;)
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You said your drive to work and home is 2.5 miles. Thus 1.25 each way. That would take you about 20mins. I really don't think walking for 20 mins is much of a stretch.

Also considering my current office is 11 miles from home and I cycle it sometimes I'd say I'm at least equipped to comment on it! :D
 
Dis86 said:
You said your drive to work and home is 2.5 miles. Thus 1.25 each way. That would take you about 20mins. I really don't think walking for 20 mins is much of a stretch.

Also considering my current office is 11 miles from home and I cycle it sometimes I'd say I'm at least equipped to comment on it! :D
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I meant it 2.5 miles each way so 5 miles to go there and back...

But yes I also own and ride a bicycle which I have taken a few times to work when I had a flat battery in the car or it broken down for some other reason ..
 
chaparral said:
And how many members on here would walk 5 miles when they own a car and need to go to a shop or somewhere that is 2 1/2 miles away...;)

I drive roughly 150 to 200miles miles per a week that would take around 50 to 60 hours to walk
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if there is something to carry, yes take the car

but i would love to be in a position to walk/cycle to work, 2.5 miles a day is nothing

fitter and more money in your pocket, whats not to like!!?
 
chaparral said:
I meant it 2.5 miles each way so 5 miles to go there and back...

But yes I also own and ride a bicycle which I have taken a few times to work when I had a flat battery in the car or it broken down for some other reason ..
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You're just lazy.

Short answer, there's nothing you can do to your car that will save money for your 2.5mile drive to work short of getting a block heater which is going to cost you money.

Use the bike.
 
chaparral said:
My drive to work and home everyday is only about 2 1/2miles
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Drive
Drive
Drive
Drive
Drive
Drive
Drive!

Do you have to take a lot of stuff with you to work? Work tools, electrical tools etc?

chaparral said:
And how many members on here would walk 5 miles when they own a car and need to go to a shop or somewhere that is 2 1/2 miles away...;)
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I can't remember the last time I ever went out in the the car for less than a 3 mile journey unless it was to pick up something heavy like bagged concrete mix from the local B&Q. I either walk or scoot if its <1mile or take the cycle/e-bike/cargo bike if it's a bit more than that.
 
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