Enough already….

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Ray N

We are seeing many types of birds that have never visited us before. I wonder if all the cold weather isn't causing them to winter over a little farther south this year?

Possibly. On the other hand, a local birdwatcher has explained that our lack of redpolls (a type of finch) this year is due to an excellent supply of pine cones - they are staying in northern forests instead of coming south and to our feeders. The temperatures are apparently not a problem for them.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I've never owned a vehicle with a remote starter (until a few days ago, having only lived in Alberta for three decades, and I haven't tried that one yet), so I think I'm allowed to point out that you can go out for a moment to turn the key - maybe while you are walking the dog or getting the newspaper - and then let the truck warm up while you are inside.

Brian. I know I could go out, turn the key, and come back in; but once out I may as well stay out. So I just complain about the cold a bit sometimes. Until a few years ago, I had never used a remote starter either. When they work, they are really nice to have. I am finding that the two I have used are not as reliable as I would have expected them to be.

[gbaglo]

I think idling the engine for a long time is not good for the engine or the environment.
Maybe order heated seats instead.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think idling the engine for a long time is not good for the engine or the environment.
Maybe order heated seats instead.

Maybe I need to move to North Vancouver where the climate is more friendly.

[gbaglo]

I can't claim to be innocent. Used to idle the company car, but I figured that was my office, and they heat office buildings don't they? And, anyway, it was the company car.
Have a law in North Van to prevent idling more than two minutes. Don't think it's really enforced. You'd have to have an angry neighbour to get caught.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Brian. I know I could go out, turn the key, and come back in; but once out I may as well stay out. So I just complain about the cold a bit sometimes. Until a few years ago, I had never used a remote starter either. When they work, they are really nice to have. I am finding that the two I have used are not as reliable as I would have expected them to be.

Plus, the remote start is way more secure than leaving a key in an idling vehicle. This is something that thieves watch for. I hate vehicle thieves too.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think idling the engine for a long time is not good for the engine or the environment.
Maybe order heated seats instead.

When it is real cold around here, and your instrument panel is slow to display, a bit of warmth inside the vehicle is a nice thing. Plus, the window has to have a chance to defrost, or it is unsafe to drive.

As far as the vehicle goes, once it is running on all cylinders, and the oil pressure is good, driving it moderately for the first bit is actually a better way to warm it up, even for diesels.

[padlin]

In my truck I go from 17 mpg to a bit more then 15 mpg in the winter. Letting it warm up costs a few bucks too.

[thoer]

One old mechanic friend told me each extreme cold weather start gives an engine as much wear as 500 - 1000 miles of highway driving. I always wondered if he was correct or just pulling numbers out of his___ . (And I would imagine that conventional vs synthetic oil could be a factor in that equation too.... but I surely do NOT want to start one of those oil debates!)

[Jim Bennett]

While it there is no doubt a cold weather start puts more wear on an engine, it would be real hard to actually quantify this wear on a vehicle, and I really doubt it would be that bad. I would have vehicles that had the equivalent on a million miles a year put on them. The use of an engine block heater does help a lot though, as it at least warms up a part of your engine, and allows for a quicker complete warm up, with less wear and tear.

[Seamstress]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

It's only been snowing for about seven hours in Portland and I'm already sick of it. It's coming down sideways....

Gee, Donna, I will have to be more careful how I send wishes. When I wished that the West would get more snow and rain, I did not mean all at once.

Enjoy your indoor planning weekend, you have lots to dream about your new trailer.

[Donna D.]

Thanks Rosemary. We all occasionally need to be careful what we wish for! Round two of snow is just starting. For giggles and grins I read my Yahoo horoscope every day. This is what today's says:

You may be inspired to travel far and wide -- so even if you're stuck at home for a while, you can at least make big plans. Your great mental energy is perfect for making dreams come true.

Cool huh!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Until a few years ago, I had never used a remote starter either. When they work, they are really nice to have. I am finding that the two I have used are not as reliable as I would have expected them to be.

Remote start systems are inherently complex, and I decided long ago that I did not want one unless it was an integral feature of the car's control systems. My new one came as a feature in a used car; I wouldn't have added it myself. Maybe this weekend I'll master the prep sequence needed when shutting the car down for the remote start to later work - this is due to the manual transmission.

One of the most frustrated guys I've ever seen was standing in his office in the Northwest Territories, trying to remote-start his Ford Windstar, which was only a car length or two away just outside the window. It tried (you could see the lights come on) but just wouldn't work, although when he walked outside and turned the key it started fine.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Maybe order heated seats instead.

They certainly help! Some cars now have heated steering wheels, as well, but the real challenge is getting - and keeping - the windshield clear.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Have a law in North Van to prevent idling more than two minutes.

These laws (typically municipal bylaws) are getting common, but they usually have exemptions. The one in Edmonton applies only in specific locations, and even then only when the outside temperature is above freezing... that's about half the year here.

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Plus, the remote start is way more secure than leaving a key in an idling vehicle. This is something that thieves watch for. I hate vehicle thieves too. .

True, but in your own driveway? Tough neighborhood!

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

The use of an engine block heater does help a lot though, as it at least warms up a part of your engine, and allows for a quicker complete warm up, with less wear and tear.

That's why engine heaters are standard equipment in Alberta - they're not included in the base price, but the new car dealers all insist on putting them in. I think most are never used.

Traditionally "block" heaters have been coolant heaters, installed in a frost plug hole in the block. More recent engines have had external heaters, radiating against the outside of the block. I see some are now engine oil heaters, which makes a lot of sense from an engine wear standpoint.

[ChuckS]

We have a total of 10 inches since Thursday, blowing wind and dry snow makes it a white out. Our normal weather is rain this time of year not 30 degrees colder than normal. Made Reservation to camp next weekend.
Chuck

[Donna D.]

Chuck, it's supposed to be 50 degrees next weekend. But look out... freezing rain is coming! Expect about 1/2 inch over the next 12 to 24 hours.

Hope the bourbon doesn't run out

[MyronL]

Got snow?

[gbaglo]

Nice shot!

[Brian B-P]

Chuck, I bet you just wanted to show off the Kubota. Nice little rig! I switched from an inadequate lawn tractor with snow blade to a proper walk-behind snowblower a couple years ago, but occasionally a loader would be nice. I suppose those of you getting dumped on might not want to hear this, but I haven't fired up the snowthrower for couple of weeks... but it is cold, if that makes you feel better.

Myron, beautiful work as always.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by ChuckS

We have a total of 10 inches since Thursday, blowing wind and dry snow makes it a white out. Our normal weather is rain this time of year not 30 degrees colder than normal. Made Reservation to camp next weekend.
Chuck

Ice pellet rain last night, crunch crunch walking outside.

[gbaglo]

We've been waiting for the snow to come across the border. Apparently pay-back for winters past. Due tonight.

[paulw]

Don't get too excited Glenn... We only got 1" last night - 90 miles south of you.