Im currently doing 1 mile trips in this horrible weather and will do all winter, However i dont want to damage the engine any more than necessary.

So im planning on keeping the engine running until i get at least two bars on the temp gauge,changing the oil every 12-16 weeks and not using the fan unless i really need to demist the windows.

Anything else i can to do to save it?

Don't do the warm-up before you drive, start-up and drive off. If you wan't to let it warm up do it at your destintion or even better take a longer route to were you are going.

Robert G8RPI

Leroypanda said:

Im currently doing 1 mile trips in this horrible weather and will do all winter, However i dont want to damage the engine any more than necessary.


Anything else i can to do to save it?

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Same answers still apply

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/464555-talk-me-about-short-journeys-2.html

varesecrazy said:

Same answers still apply

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/464555-talk-me-about-short-journeys-2.html

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SORRY , forgot id already asked..

Youve not said which engine you have..

Some will be better than otheres.. as I assume its running for @15 mins at a time..

Leroypanda said:

Im currently doing 1 mile trips in this horrible weather and will do all winter, However i dont want to damage the engine any more than necessary.

So im planning on keeping the engine running until i get at least two bars on the temp gauge,changing the oil every 12-16 weeks and not using the fan unless i really need to demist the windows.

Anything else i can to do to save it?

Click to expand...

To be honest I would get a bike (pedal). A mile will take you no longer in average traffic, you will get fitter, your car will benefit, and if pedalling is a bit much for you, an electric bike is easy and economical.
We have just "electrified" our folding Bromptons and they are great

g8rpi said:

Don't do the warm-up before you drive, start-up and drive off. If you wan't to let it warm up do it at your destintion or even better take a longer route to were you are going.

Robert G8RPI

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Spot on advice. Not using the heater will heat the coolant faster but the car interior could get very damp. Using the aircon will help reduce condensation and the higher load on the engine will slightly speed up warm up time. A radiator blind helps with cold air reaching the engine block but won't really speed up the warm up time much if at all. An electric coolant heater timed to come on 15 minutes before heading out in the morning is your best bet.

Think of an alternative to driving on a mile trip though. What you save on fuel and wear could go to a second-hand bike or the bus if that's a possible alternative.

Just wondering how long a short mile actually is.
1.45 Km?

gr J

in km its 1.6
i have no aircon, im the most basic spec panda 1200 on offer
im a postie so that mile walk/ride after youve just done 12miles is the straw that broke...

Leroypanda said:

in km its 1.6
i have no aircon, im the most basic spec panda 1200 on offer
im a postie so that mile walk/ride after youve just done 12miles is the straw that broke...

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Then an electric bike, they really are good and will probably save the wear and tear on your Panda

Motorcyclist Colin said:

Then an electric bike, they really are good and will probably save the wear and tear on your Panda

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When its -4,dark raining sideways and a 30mph wind? no thanks!

Leroypanda said:

in km its 1.6
i have no aircon, im the most basic spec panda 1200 on offer
im a postie so that mile walk/ride after youve just done 12miles is the straw that broke...

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Best thing for it..?

A heater element.

To get the coolant toasty before you even get in

Other good tips.. oil and water on minimum levels.. take less warming.up

Wind deflectors.. so you can leave windows down a bit..airing the interior.

None of this is ideal.. but - when Tesco used to sell small cars.. 'very little helps'

Fully understandable especially being a postie!!!

varesecrazy said:

Best thing for it..?

A heater element.

'

Click to expand...

how do i fit one? would a removable pad work?

Leroypanda said:

When its -4,dark raining sideways and a 30mph wind? no thanks!

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Fair enough, entirely up to you, but your heading was "BEST Way to do short miles"

My old dad used to put a small paraffin heater under the sump of his old Ford Popular.

KPat said:

My old dad used to put a small paraffin heater under the sump of his old Ford Popular.

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When, as a lad, I worked for the Forestry Commission, some 65 years ago, the only way we could get our ancient Fordson TVO tractor to start in the winter was to light a good fire under the sump. This was very welcome as we labourers could have a good warm up before starting work!
I suspect 'elf an' safety' would have kittens today:bang:

It might be a good time to try and park under a car port so much reducing the need to defrost/demist. park as close to a flat wall as you can, or park in front of an old style non led flood light that you could turn on 15 mins before leaving.

Alternatively 'car share' with someone passing you that has driven a couple of miles before they get to you. Hence their car will be efficient and warm.

probably run the engine on 98ron fuel, if your doing 12 miles a week then it will take you nearly five months to use a tank so the 95 ron fuel will degrade and reduce efficiency.

just ideas