lock doors while idling?

Jimbob · Sat Dec 21, 2013 12:44 am

I never drive my cars cold. In the past I would be able to remove key from ignition, or carry a second key, lock the door and go back inside while the car warmed up. With the key fob / push button start I've not been able to lock it up while running, a little worried it may get stolen. Is there a way to solve this problem?

SamirD · Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:01 am

I was just thinking about the same issue tonight when I had to run out and get something from the house. I used to do the exact same thing as you did have a spare key, but you cannot lock the car but it is running.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:52 am

Well, why do you want your car to be warmed up?
The notion that it's better for your engine is a myth now, much like the every 3000 mile oil change. Oil formulations have vastly improved to the point of protecting engines even when cold. Basically, warming up a car for the sake of the car itself is considered unnecessary by the automakers and oil companies. Hence, it's not surprising they'd make a locking system that would not support running the engine while the key is outside. You're just wasting fuel at this point.

Jimbob · Sat Dec 21, 2013 3:43 am

Kuro, where I live the car can be well below freezing, it would be less than pleasant to drive while the heater only puts out freezing air.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 5:21 am

Jimbob wrote:Kuro, where I live the car can be well below freezing, it would be less than pleasant to drive while the heater only puts out freezing air.

I hear you, but I also live in a place that gets below freezing. I've also lived on mountains where there is a lot of snow too. I know the feeling.

In the end, it's nice to have your car nice and toasty, but it's not necessary. I drive for a little bit with the fan off and then once it warms up, turn the fan on so it's blowing heat.

The Kizashi warms up rather quickly. Probably the fastest of any car I've ever owned but it just may be that modern components just work better than in the past.

SamirD · Sat Dec 21, 2013 5:32 am

I still wait for the rpm needle to start dropping before driving. On newer cars you can't tell much difference, but on my cars with higher mileage, there's definitely a difference.

As far as locking it, I'd rather just lock it, run to go get something and come back. It wastes the battery to start, stop, and start in such a short time.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 6:51 am

SamirD wrote: As far as locking it, I'd rather just lock it, run to go get something and come back. It wastes the battery to start, stop, and start in such a short time.

I disagree. The battery is recharged by the alternator the moment the engine is started and especially when you drive. When you leave the car running, you are wasting fuel which does not get recharged, obviously.

Looks like the Kizashi can't be locked from the outside while the engine is on.

Woodie · Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:02 am

That's one of the worst things you can do to an engine, letting it idle to warm up. If it's below freezing, let it idle thirty seconds and drive it, it'll last a lot longer.

SamirD · Sat Dec 21, 2013 3:50 pm

KuroNekko wrote:I disagree. The battery is recharged by the alternator the moment the engine is started and especially when you drive. When you leave the car running, you are wasting fuel which does not get recharged, obviously.

It is being recharged, but not enough to recoup the amount discharged during a start. That's why you can't jump start a car and then stop and start it without an extended drive first. True, fuel is used while idling, but that's a consumable item either way.

Sun Dec 22, 2013 5:35 am

SamirD wrote:
KuroNekko wrote:I disagree. The battery is recharged by the alternator the moment the engine is started and especially when you drive. When you leave the car running, you are wasting fuel which does not get recharged, obviously.
It is being recharged, but not enough to recoup the amount discharged during a start. That's why you can't jump start a car and then stop and start it without an extended drive first. True, fuel is used while idling, but that's a consumable item either way.

Right, but I meant that once you drive, you will recharge your battery. If your battery charge is compromised after just a few starts, you need a new battery.