View Single Post
Old 12-23-2013, 04:50 PM   #27 (permalink)
MetroMPG
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,534

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 57.73 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,082
Thanked 6,979 Times in 3,614 Posts
Let's not have another pointless argument based on different perceptions of safety. Please? Thanks.

---

Quote:
Originally Posted by nackerton View Post
Electric cabin heaters are popular here, they are connected to a block heater wiring with a kit like this.

http://rengaskeskus.com/media/wysiwyg/sis_haara.jpg
That was going to be my suggestion.

If cabin comfort is your goal, the block heater isn't going to change that very much. But an electric cabin heater will. Yes, the cabin starts to cool once you unplug and drive away (no idling), but the coolant is warming quickly as the cabin is cooling and they meet in the middle before it ever becomes uncomfortable.

Personally I like the strategy of wearing light clothing to drive, with heavier brought along just in case. Heating the coolant & the cabin (a hair dryer on 750w setting for 20 mins) works for me.

Sounds silly, but I drive more efficiently when I'm warm & comfy. When I'm cold, I must subconsciously want to burn more fuel to get the heat going.
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote