short journeys

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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
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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.
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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)
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