A thought keeps coming back to me about this generally-accepted weakness in our engines. I don't know whether it's valid.

Years ago I was learning to fly. When your plane has only one engine you're taught quite a lot about taking care of it. In particular I recall a lot of emphasis on slow and smooth movement of the throttle to allow temperature to build up, or die down, evenly throughout the cylinder head.

Having developed this instinct I guess I treat my car engines this way too - I certainly notice when other drivers don't - adjusting the throttle as slowly as driving conditons permit (not a problem in the air). It helps with fuel consumption too. I'm not saying this to show off or blame anyone for blowing up their engine. As I say, I don't even know how much this really applies to our engines.

- (#6126) Dave Mason, 15 Nov 02

Dave

I think it's recognised (or certainly was in my early driving days) that you shouldn't hammer an engine until it's up to working temperature. Also you don't thrash a new engine until it has at least a couple of thou on the clock. Equally with the diesel turbo, you should give it time to slow and cool down after extreme conditions (high speed, steep hill etc) before switching off.

Trouble is this good advice doesn't seem to get passed on these days. The assumption is that engines are better made and the throw-away society promotes throwing away and buying new anyway.

Maybe it's an age thing. It feels the right thing to do for me anyway.

- (#6127) Ian Dunse, 15 Nov 02

I agree with you Dave, our engines are not so much weak as underpowered, and sometimes overworked, although I do think you may have lifted the lid on a huge can of worms with this one.

12 years ago I took delivery of my new company car which was a 2 litre turbo diesel Citroen BX. After 12 months and 80,000 miles cruising up and down motorways, it developed a cooling problem culminating in a huge overheating event. Although it was a company car, and contrary to most myths, it was properly run in, well maintained, and never missed a service. Still ended with a wrecked engine though.

Now I own a townace 4x4, I drive it with respect, because its 12 years old with no service history and I have no idea how well it has been maintained.

I am not to hung up on the MPG. It makes little difference if I’m driving long distance or round town, I still get around 25 miles to the gallon. Although this seems to be less, in some cases unbelievably less, than other 4x4 townace owners.

It may cost the same to run as my last car and is nowhere near as quick, but I enjoy the driving experience, and if it takes me an extra few minutes to get from A to B then that’s good.

- (#6128) dave Bright, 15 Nov 02

I had 12 years of Spacecruiser training that now lets me drive in a stress free way, and hopefully the engine too. I have pushed the Ace and shown someone a good cloud of unburnt Diesel, but it is rare, in fact I can't think of the last time I used kick down, yes I can it was early October but not a normal drive (and it was lots!!!).
So yes I agree, treat it well and it looks after you. If that means changing the oil in the snow because it's to tall to fit in the garage then so be it, put yourself out and it won't put you out!

- (#6129) clive, 15 Nov 02