MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: stealthwolf on February 21, 2009, 07:24:23 pm

Title: Cold journeys
Post by: stealthwolf on February 21, 2009, 07:24:23 pm

I know very short trips are bad for the engine, which is why I do the longest journey first and then the shorter ones after.

But what should you do if you need to do a very short trip (eg picking up person + luggage from station) or if I need to park the car in the garage? Anything I can do to minimise any damage?

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on February 21, 2009, 07:28:45 pm

You could always put ur car in neutral (assuming its manual) and push it...

Possible alternatives, could be cycling or walking...

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: bacillus on February 21, 2009, 07:57:06 pm

Quote from: xxx_mojo_xxx on February 21, 2009, 07:28:45 pm

You could always put ur car in neutral (assuming its manual) and push it...

Possible alternatives, could be cycling or walking...

 :grin: :grin:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: Phil Mcavity on February 21, 2009, 09:22:50 pm

or public transport!

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: Hurdy on February 21, 2009, 10:34:50 pm

Keep it under the turbo spool up threshold :smiley:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: RedRobin on February 21, 2009, 11:52:07 pm

....

You guys are making it sound as if real damage is done by a series of short journeys. Surely, if there is any small degree of 'damage' it would only be from doing nothing but short journeys for years.

I've only done 8 miles this week! But another week might be 800.

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: stealthwolf on February 22, 2009, 09:11:49 am

You guys make it sound as if I'm being lazy. I will happily walk short distances but the public transport where I live is rather unreliable and more expensive than driving. Moreover, most of these short journeys are taken at night when there is no public transport other than taxis.

The car is my daily driver and I typically drive a total of 40 miles a day with >100 miles once a month.

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: joesgti on February 22, 2009, 09:30:27 am

i dont get this thred!!  :rolleye: sounds stupid! if i want a chippy il drive 200yrds round the corner?! so!!?? my engine wont break down!  :confused:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: JonnyG on February 22, 2009, 09:58:16 am

I note you mentioned garage

You could always put a heater in your garage 

and start your car a few minutes before leaving, and let it idle a little before setting off.

(but both are a bit of a waste of energy and money IMO  :embarrassed:)

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: stealthwolf on February 22, 2009, 11:23:01 am

Quote from: joesgti on February 22, 2009, 09:30:27 am

if i want a chippy il drive 200yrds round the corner?! so!!?? my engine wont break down!

But I don't want to prematurely wear the engine down if I can help it. If it lasts 150k instead of 120k, so much the better.

Quote from: JonnyG on February 22, 2009, 09:58:16 am

You could always put a heater in your garage  and start your car a few minutes before leaving, and let it idle a little before setting off.

Neither's really practical. Besides, I've found that an idle car will take at least 20 mins to warm up, but one that's driven (gently) takes about 5-10 mins.

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: Max Q on February 22, 2009, 12:43:11 pm

Stealthwolf, we all love our GTI's and want to look after them but I think you are getting little bit paranoid. :grin:

Take the usual, sensible precautions like allowing it to warm up before flooring it etc..

It's a car. Drive it. :driver:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: RedRobin on February 22, 2009, 12:52:43 pm

Quote from: stealthwolf on February 22, 2009, 11:23:01 am

If it lasts 150k instead of 120k, so much the better..

....I thought I was the only one here who wants their GTI to last 150k+ :happy2:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: Phil Mcavity on February 22, 2009, 01:01:43 pm

with rampant mice and now short journey syndrome stealth, i think your being abit too cautious mate.
ENJOY IT and dont worry about it :happy2:

Title: Re: Cold journeys
Post by: vwrascal on February 22, 2009, 07:46:31 pm

I only wait for revs to drop when its cold before moving off!!  remember - its a GERMAN engine - they know what there saying
 :happy2: