That point of that article is a good one, and I wish more people saw things this way. A lot of people seem to make decisions based entirely on convenience. The word 'reuse' doesn't even exist in their vocabulary -- disposable everything, what could be easier?

I see far too many vehicles -- very often big trucks and SUVs -- left idling while the owner goes in to pick something up at the store. This happens even if it's 70 degrees outside. Meanwhile their vehicle runs uselessly for 10 minutes or more.

I think there is more right with the article than there is wrong. Thanks for posting, dayves2k.

 

It says in the s2000 owner's manual not to warm up the car in idle and that driving right after start is the best way to warm up the engine.

 

Ahhh, the joys of a beater

 

This may be true but the writer of the article assumes that everyone is selfish. Just imagine some mother running outside with her baby bundled up from the cold, only to find her previously warmed up car turned off and cold. Poor little baby. Gonna freeze until the car warms up.

So be a tree hugger if you wish. Just don't assume that everyone is warming their car up for their OWN comfort.

 

The s2000 manual tells you to warm-up to max of 1min.... otherwise it would be waste of gas...

 

Lets just keep in mind that there is a fine line between passionate and fanatical. I live in the bay area and I get sick and tired of all the so called Environmentalist. Every single one I have ever seen or had to pleasure of listening to was a Hypocrite.

Case in point. About 2/3 years ago when I still smoked I was driving down 101S. I threw my cigarette butt out the window. Next thing I know I had this jerk honking like mad next too me. I rolled down my window:

Environmentalist: "Hey pal don't be throwing your butt out the window. Respect your planet"

Me: "(Laugh) Thats really funny coming from you asshole, I'm sure my little cigarette butt does WAY more damage to the planet than your damn Expedition! How about taking a BIKE to work to save the planet!"

Environmentalist: Shuts up like a good boy and rolls his window up.

Nothing pisses me off more than that. If you're going to preach to me about it, you better damn well be living it. Enough said!

 

If this argument is because people feel its a waste of gas to let your car warm up.... well what can I say I like going from a warm house to a warm car. I'm not worried about the 1 dollar in gas I'm going to waste, not to mention if your going to complain to me about the environment your wasting your time.
Why don't you do something about the jacka$$ that drives a Semi with that black tar like smoke dumping out from its pipes.

Do something to the people that are the problem, not the poor women/guy warming up his/her car.

 

I used to be a big fan of the idle warmup. It seems the most gentle, but may not be the best way.

I have heard (and even read in my manual) that slow driving is suggested because the total time that the engine is cold is shorter. In otherwords, the time that the engine is cold hurts it, so drive the car to reduce that time.

It seems that you harm the car equally by sitting or by driving, so the quicker the warmup the better.

Anyone agree?