First Winter :(

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Much much longer if you're running the heater from a dead cold.

Interesting...

Though I'm pretty sure I've heard this before, I've never actually tried to start the car with the cold on full blast in the winter time. Maybe I'll give it a go this weekend when I trade my truck for the car.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Cole

Interesting...

Though I'm pretty sure I've heard this before, I've never actually tried to start the car with the cold on full blast in the winter time. Maybe I'll give it a go this weekend when I trade my truck for the car.

He is very correct. I have tried to explain that to my wife about a 1,000 times yet she still believes if you crank the heat and fan to full right at start up you get heat faster. Her car now has the auto system so if left in auto it will start out at low and gradually move things up as the coolant temps rise. She is amazed at how fast the car warms up compared to the others where she would turn it all on full blast.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

He is very correct. I have tried to explain that to my wife about a 1,000 times yet she still believes if you crank the heat and fan to full right at start up you get heat faster. Her car now has the auto system so if left in auto it will start out at low and gradually move things up as the coolant temps rise. She is amazed at how fast the car warms up compared to the others where she would turn it all on full blast.

My truck has the auto climate, but it also cranks the heat/fan full blast when you remote start it.

I generally just have the heat one or two clicks past the middle setting and on the first fan setting until the car gets a little warmed up, then I switch to the second fan setting.

Though, if I have to go somewhere in the car, I have some time to let it warm up. It's become a weekend toy now, and it is a rare occasion that I even drive it to work. Such bourgeoisie.

[ToySub1946]

There is just no way that we're off on a tangent, when the original thread talked about traction of tires in snow/ice conditions. Does the heater work better with or without snow tires attached to the wheels ? ...LOL.

So now that we're there, on a tangent...Are we all aware that on these cars, there is water/coolant flowing through the heater core any time that the engine is running ? There is just no heater valve as in old cars.

And that in any of the three defroster modes, the a/c compressor cycles off and on, regardless of position of manual a/c button.

Additionally, in any mode, there is always some air moving through the round, most outer vents of the dash..a Toyota trick they've, for some reason, used for many years. (If you don't want any at all air from them, you must manually close them.)


This discussion of how to heat the car in very cold temps could get way more complicated than it already is.


Edit: Get four new snow tires on all four wheels.

Take appropriately sized chains with you if you must drive through Snoqualmie pass.

Test how to attach and remove those chains before you leave home.

Chains must always be attached very tight to the tire/wheel area. Chains should be on there ONLY in ice/snow conditions. Once on, must be removed as soon as you see clear pavement. Chains on a wheel, used on clear pavement can wear themselves out in as few as 5 miles.

And those pass conditions here:
http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

There is just no way that we're off on a tangent, when the original thread talked about traction of tires in snow/ice conditions. Does the heater work better with or without snow tires attached to the wheels ? ...LOL.

So now that we're there, on a tangent...Are we all aware that on these cars, there is water/coolant flowing through the heater core any time that the engine is running ? There is just no heater valve as in old cars.

And that in any of the three defroster modes, the a/c compressor cycles off and on, regardless of position of manual a/c button.

Additionally, in any mode, there is always some air moving through the the round, most outer vents of the dash..a Toyota trick they've, for some reason, used for many years.

This discussion of how to heat the car in very cold temps could get way more complicated than it already is.

How many times do others need to say get snow tires to keep it on topic?


The question of heating up the car was raised and we discussed it. At least it didn't turn into a shitstorm argument as has been the habit of late.

Fully aware that it may be flowing but that does not mean that you need the fan blowing through it at full blast.

[Ultramaroon]

Whether controlling the fluid or controlling the air through it, the effect is exactly the same. Try taping a sheet of newspaper over your radiator and let me know how that works for you.

When the blue/red thingy is set to full blue, there is no air crossing the heater core.
@Cole, I've noticed even a little airflow seriously affects warmup. Make sure that thing is cranked hard over. It will warm up as quickly as on a summer day.

[Sarlacc]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

How many times do others need to say get snow tires to keep it on topic?


The question of heating up the car was raised and we discussed it. At least it didn't turn into a shitstorm argument as has been the habit of late.

Fully aware that it may be flowing but that does not mean that you need the fan blowing through it at full blast.

The OP's question was answered so many times when I entered the thread, I saw absolutely no point in saying "get winter tires" :-)

I've been pondering the heating debate, though.
I think we need to specify what the goal is.
1. Getting the engine warmed up fast
2. Defrosting the windshield fast
or...
3. Getting the inside of the car warmed up fast

IMHO:
1: Heater and fan off
2: Heater and fan off for a few minutes, then defrost setting
3: Heater and fan on full

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

The OP's question was answered so many times when I entered the thread, I saw absolutely no point in saying "get winter tires" :-)

I've been pondering the heating debate, though.
I think we need to specify what the goal is.
1. Getting the engine warmed up fast
2. Defrosting the windshield fast
or...
3. Getting the inside of the car warmed up fast

IMHO:
1: Heater and fan off
2: Heater and fan off for a few minutes, then defrost setting
3: Heater and fan on full

I concur with Sar's order of heating.

[Cole]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Whether controlling the fluid or controlling the air through it, the effect is exactly the same. Try taping a sheet of newspaper over your radiator and let me know how that works for you.

When the blue/red thingy is set to full blue, there is no air crossing the heater core.
@Cole, I've noticed even a little airflow seriously affects warmup. Make sure that thing is cranked hard over. It will warm up as quickly as on a summer day.

Cheers m8, will check it out this weekend

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

IMHO:
1: Heater and fan off
2: Heater and fan off for a few minutes, then defrost setting
3: Heater and fan on full

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I concur with Sar's order of heating.

ditto

I just hold my breath until the engine warms up.

[Uplink]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

If you can handle leaving your heater temp set to full cold the engine will heat up much more quickly. That heater core is a very effective radiator.

I do that. Measured today. It was about 12o overnight, 16o this morning. With the heater off and the car idling in the driveway for 15 minutes the needle never made it more than halfway to the 'ready' line. Brrrr... Dunno how those sub-temp guys do it.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Uplink

Brrrr... Dunno how those sub-temp guys do it.

Practice!

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Uplink

I do that. Measured today. It was about 12o overnight, 16o this morning. With the heater off and the car idling in the driveway for 15 minutes the needle never made it more than halfway to the 'ready' line. Brrrr... Dunno how those sub-temp guys do it.

Well, yeah, idling. That's a whole other can of worms; the eternal idle-versus-drive controversy. I scrape the windows, get in, and just drive off nice & easy until it warms up most of the way. Takes about 5 minutes. I can crank up the defogger & heat by the time I get out of my neighborhood.

[Sarlacc]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Well, yeah, idling. That's a whole other can of worms; the eternal idle-versus-drive controversy. I scrape the windows, get in, and just drive off nice & easy until it warms up most of the way. Takes about 5 minutes. I can crank up the defogger & heat by the time I get out of my neighborhood.

I just floor it. Heats up faster that way.