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Sam shows you how to install a remote control/tracking system (MFC) in your ride, he writes -
...the Subaru WRX we showed at the Maker Faire features a remote tracking and control system. With this system you can:
- Log in from anywhere in the world and see where the car is
- See engine status, RPMs, speed, GPS info, and a bunch of other stats
- See history of location and statistics
- Unlock or lock the doors
- Start or stop the engine
- Cut power to the fuel pump
- Control Windows, etc.
It doesn't take much imagination to figure out the possibilities. Imagine a script that checks for upcoming appointments in your computer's calendar. 15 minutes before you leave for the appointment, your script logs in, finds your car's location and pulls the weather for the area. If the temperature is below 40 degrees, the script will send the commands to start your car. You get in 15 minutes later and everything is warm and toasty!DIY:happy » How to Install a Remote Control/Tracking System (MFC) in Your Ride -Link.
I can't believe you suggested running a car for FIFTEEN minutes just to have it nice and warm for the driver.
Aside from the fact that it's not particularly good for modern engines (even in cold weather), you might want to consider the effect on the environment.
For shame!
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Using a script to warm up your car is only one example. You could also do environmentally friendly things like crack your windows (short pulse) if the temperature gets hot enough and that will help you avoid needing to use air conditioning.
As for warming up your car, depending on how cold it is - it is good to get everything flowing (oil/transmission fluid/etc) and defrost the windows (because it's safer if you can see when you're driving). If you don't warm it up it won't hurt your car, but you should not rev the engine very high until it's up to temp, especially if you have a turbo. I've seen engine blocks suffer an ill fate due to being revved really high when cold.
A block heater is another thing you would be able to integrate (even easier). That will make your car easier to start and will improve winter fuel economy by up to 10% (according to the Canadian environmental ministry).
Also, if it's so cold that you are considering the need to warm up your car, a little global warming couldn't hurt! (KIDDING!)
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