short journeys | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Wed 9 Mar 2005 15:16

short journeys - Joe 90

Hi all,

Is there any way I can minimise the damage done to the engine when taking short trips, two or three times a year I drive down to the south of France, Spain etc however the rest of the time I only make short trips and the engine rarely reaches the optimal operating temperture?

Joe

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 9 Mar 2005 15:42

short journeys - Roger Jones

Fit an engine pre-heater:

www.calix.se/default.asp?parSprak=UK

www.kenlowe.com/pre-heaters/cars/index.html

It will cost you several hundred quid.

I have a Kenlowe and, in spite of what they claim, fitting it is not a DIY job unless you are a trained mechanic. There is no doubt that its greatest benefit is in short-trip usage, where you will immediately see significantly lower fuel consumption; the more long trips you do, the less the impact on the figures. Fuel consumption aside, there is little doubt that starting an engine pre-heated to 80°C is very beneficial, and you'll enjoy instant warm air on cold mornings. Use it all year round, rather than think of it as a winter thing.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 9 Mar 2005 17:11

short journeys - Dynamic Dave

The advice in the following threads *might* help:-

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=28812
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=19891
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=18761
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=18294
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=17856

There were more when I did a forum search, but *hopefully* they're enough suggestions to keep you going for a while ;o)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Related questions

Is the Toyota Yaris Cross a good buy?

I am currently considering buying a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, new or near-new. Are you aware of any significant reliability issues that might influence my choice?

Is there a reason to put steel wheels on a Hyundai Ioniq?

Is there a reason to put steel wheels on a Hyundai Ioniq? Motorpoint has them listed as standard equipment/

If I buy a pre-reg 2017 Toyota Yaris hybrid, will it definitely be the new model?

I'm intending to buy a pre-reg Toyota Yaris hybrid quite soon. My last car was a pre-reg diesel Toyota Yaris bought in 2004 and it has served me very well. You have given a good review to the 2017 Yaris...

Why does my diesel Volkswagen Golf engine cut out and restart when I slow down?

I bought a brand new diesel Volkswagen Golf in January. There was a series of minor problems at first; tyres at the wrong pressure, pulling left, a burning smell next to the front passenger wheel arch,...

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator