[s-cars] Re: RF Remote operation sporatic - ign. switch?

[Keith Maddock]

Lee Levitt <lee at wheelman.com> wrote:
> Keith writes:
> 
> > THis is a bummer, as it would be nice to leave the car
> > running (in teh cold winter), and get out and lock with the
> > remote while you "run in real quick to _____________"
> 
> This is a pet peeve of mine, along with remote starters.
> 
> Gas mileage while you're doing this is 0 mpg. You're polluting needlessly.
> If you turn the car off, run in real quick to _______ and then come back
> out, how long will it take for the car to heat back up? 30 seconds? 1
> minute?

It's not a matter of personal heating - its a matter of engine wear. 
I have a PO Box 1/2 mile from work.  On the way home I stop by.  The
car isn't warm yet this time of the year.  I don't like to cold start
it twice - not only puts a drain on the battery but is otherwise hard
on the engine.  It takes me less than 30 sec. to walk in , grab my
mail, and walk out.
 
> My understanding is that if you leave a car running and someone steals it,
> your insurance company can claim negligence and deny payment.

Sure, that's why I would only do this in an area I know is safe.  6
miles away in good ole Detroit, I wouldn't dream of it.  At my post
office in Livonia which has been ranked consistenty as one of the
safest cities in the US **  (as well as the least diverse *** :-/),
it's an acceptable risk.

** http://www.morganquitno.com/cit05pop.htm
Livonia is 20th safest compared to Detroit is 2nd most dangerous, 6
miles away!!!!
Guess how many cop cars on the streets I see in Livonia? :-D

*** http://www.canoe.ca/CNEWSFeatures0108/13_michigan-ap.html
 
> Me, I'm happy warming my car up with my butt in the seat and locking it up
> tight when I leave it.

I'm glad we live in a free country :-D   In Sweden, such a thing is
illegal. (unless the vehicle is powering a computer or other
equipment)

Cheers,
Keith