Author Topic: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather  (Read 5530 times)

ChpBstrd

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Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« on: October 17, 2022, 05:47:01 PM »
Where: a soccer practice field

What: Three parents each sitting in full size SUVs and a full side truck, running three V8 engines to run the heat.

Why: Because the temperature was 59F and there was a 5mph breeze.

Bonus Ridicule: Several of their kids were practicing in shorts and short sleeves, with no complaints.

Extra Frosting of Stupidity on Top: The field had a paved sidewalk all around it. A tiny bit of exercise would have made the cool not so bad, right?

snic

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2022, 06:53:31 PM »
Man, don't get me started about people idling their cars to keep warm. I see this all the time, for example in the parking lot at work where just before 9:00 am there are always at least a couple of people idling away, goofing off on their phones while waiting for their shift to start. I wonder if these people have ever heard about climate change. Or air pollution, for that matter.

Chris Pascale

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2022, 07:04:32 PM »
While they're doing that, hand them an LL Bean catalog and inform them of a new invention called long sleeves.

They are like regular sleeves, but go all the way.

In fact, explain it to them like, "they go all the way........like your mom." And then watch them get all steamed over you accusing their mom of having sex at least once. They were cold before, but are not anymore.
« Last Edit: October 18, 2022, 07:06:37 PM by Chris Pascale »

exterous

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2022, 06:07:18 PM »
I see people idling their suburban land battleships while they 'quickly' run into the grocery store - even in the reasonably comfortable months. It's just not something I'll ever really understand

snic

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2022, 08:29:56 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".

NoVa

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2022, 09:34:05 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).

Morning Glory

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2022, 03:10:35 PM »
I think there are still a good chunk of people who believe it uses less gas or is somehow better for the car to leave it idling than to turn it off for a few minutes then on again. I think this was true at one time (before fuel-injection maybe, or just in really cold weather??). Saw an older guy today idling in his car for a good five minutes with the window open, so it wasn't for heat/ac.  He might have this belief even though his car looked new-ish.

dividendman

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2022, 06:31:10 PM »
People do this at my son's soccer games in California all the time, except they run the AC in the summer... it's getting cool now, let's see what happens.

TheGrimSqueaker

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2022, 01:01:47 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).

The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.

GuitarStv

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2022, 02:18:41 PM »
I mean . . . it kinda makes sense.  They were cold.  They wanted to be warm with no effort.  And their gift will help make the planet warmer for everyone!

What kind of monster would complain about that generosity?

ChpBstrd

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2022, 03:07:42 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

TheGrimSqueaker

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2022, 04:38:04 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

Today, I interviewed someone with a master's degree and 20+ years of industry experience, who didn't know the difference between "your" and "you're".

GuitarStv

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2022, 06:25:31 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

Today, I interviewed someone with a master's degree and 20+ years of industry experience, who didn't know the difference between "your" and "you're".

Yore always going to be surprised at the innovative ways people find to mangle English.

Morning Glory

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #13 on: November 03, 2022, 07:48:07 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

Today, I interviewed someone with a master's degree and 20+ years of industry experience, who didn't know the difference between "your" and "you're".

Yore always going to be surprised at the innovative ways people find to mangle English.
Y mangle it yrself when the otter correct can doit 4 U?

nessness

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #14 on: November 05, 2022, 03:44:10 PM »
A few days ago, I picked my daughter up from school 20 minutes early in order to take her to an appointment. There were already parents idling in the drop off lane, 20 minutes before school let out. Meanwhile, parking spots were available like 10 yards away, but I guess they needed to stay warm in the 60ish degree weather, and/or save themselves those few steps?

ChpBstrd

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #15 on: November 05, 2022, 07:23:43 PM »
A few days ago, I picked my daughter up from school 20 minutes early in order to take her to an appointment. There were already parents idling in the drop off lane, 20 minutes before school let out. Meanwhile, parking spots were available like 10 yards away, but I guess they needed to stay warm in the 60ish degree weather, and/or save themselves those few steps?
I bet if you asked them what they think about the price of gas, they would say they pay too much.

The Guru

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #16 on: January 11, 2023, 10:31:56 AM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

And their's the problem.

Psychstache

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #17 on: January 11, 2023, 10:34:41 AM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

And their's the problem.

It's really a loose loose situation.

GuitarStv

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #18 on: January 11, 2023, 10:36:20 AM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

And their's the problem.

It's really a loose loose situation.

Seems like something that requires allot of thought.

sonofsven

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #19 on: January 11, 2023, 12:50:13 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

And their's the problem.

It's really a loose loose situation.
Yeah, that two.

Morning Glory

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #20 on: January 11, 2023, 02:59:08 PM »
suburban land battleships

I like to call them "suburban assault vehicles".
Apparently the Germans call them hausfrauenpanzer (housewife tank).
The mental image that phrase inspires is epic.
I wish English would steal that word from German, but I'm afraid the odds are not good. Many native speakers cannot distinguish between "there" and "their", so 16 letters ain't happening.

And their's the problem.

It's really a loose loose situation.
Yeah, that two.
It's the affect of a crummy education system.

sailinlight

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #21 on: January 11, 2023, 03:23:24 PM »
I'll end the punfest by noting that since moving to Florida, I've learned people love sitting in their cars in parking lots. Every time I park at least three of the cars around me have someone sitting in them idling. I guess it kind of makes sense in the summer when it's hot and humid to keep the AC on, but they still keep the engine running when the weather is cool and dry and no air conditioner needed.
I never remember people sitting in their cars all day long in California. Is it just Florida, or do people do it where you live too? What are they doing in there?

dividendman

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #22 on: January 11, 2023, 05:10:43 PM »
I'll end the punfest by noting that since moving to Florida, I've learned people love sitting in their cars in parking lots. Every time I park at least three of the cars around me have someone sitting in them idling. I guess it kind of makes sense in the summer when it's hot and humid to keep the AC on, but they still keep the engine running when the weather is cool and dry and no air conditioner needed.
I never remember people sitting in their cars all day long in California. Is it just Florida, or do people do it where you live too? What are they doing in there?

They do it in California too... and then complain about the high price of gas. It's amazing.

Chaplin

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2023, 05:21:09 PM »
"Hausfrauenpanzer" should be a band name...probably is.

I've heard of Land Rovers in wealthy London-area burbs called Chelsea Tractors.

Heckler

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #24 on: April 03, 2023, 07:56:00 PM »
Tell the soccer parents that hearty Canadians heat their homes to lower temperatures (when they live with dramatic malamutes who object to any form of central heating).

Luckily, my dog sheds like crazy, so I'm usually wearing enough of a layer of his fur that 14C/57F seems perfectly comfortable. Yay for me! (weeps)

I wanted to claim this true, but it's only at night we have it set to 60F.  In the day , 66F.

And @ChpBstrd  if I read your avatar location correctly, please leave a printout of this map on their windshield next time.

https://conspiracyofcartographers.com/petrofuture-gallery/

« Last Edit: April 03, 2023, 07:58:27 PM by Heckler »

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #25 on: April 06, 2023, 05:30:37 PM »
Soccer season just started here (NE Illinois) and yep, tonight there was a dad in his quad cab F-150, idling for the full hour. It's a cool evening, but the sun is plenty to keep the car warm. Some parents bundled up (45 and breezy feels chilly!). I stripped down to shorts and a t-shirt and went for a run :)
« Last Edit: April 07, 2023, 07:45:13 AM by zolotiyeruki »

SpaceCow

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #26 on: April 07, 2023, 07:36:17 AM »
Visit any Speedway fuel station around here and you'll likely find someone idling their lifted diesel toy truck (most likely with emission systems removed). They like to park close to the door so that you can't walk in to the store without breathing the fumes.

SpaceCow

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #27 on: April 07, 2023, 07:36:49 AM »

Visit any Speedway fuel station around here and you'll likely find some dipshit idling his lifted diesel toy truck (most likely with emission systems removed). They like to park close to the door so that you can't walk in to the store without breathing the fumes.

jeninco

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #28 on: April 07, 2023, 03:31:24 PM »
Soccer season just started here (NE Illinois) and yep, tonight there was a dad in his quad cab F-150, idling for the full hour. It's a cool evening, but the sun is plenty to keep the car warm. Some parents bundled up (45 and breezy feels chilly!). I stripped down to shorts and a t-shirt and went for a run :)

That would be my preferred strategy, on the days when I'm driving the carpool!

Morning Glory

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #29 on: April 07, 2023, 08:53:26 PM »

Visit any Speedway fuel station around here and you'll likely find some dipshit idling his lifted diesel toy truck (most likely with emission systems removed). They like to park close to the door so that you can't walk in to the store without breathing the fumes.

So in North Carolina they only lift half the truck and I can't figure out why.

Runrunrun

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #30 on: April 09, 2023, 07:01:38 PM »

Visit any Speedway fuel station around here and you'll likely find some dipshit idling his lifted diesel toy truck (most likely with emission systems removed). They like to park close to the door so that you can't walk in to the store without breathing the fumes.

So in North Carolina they only lift half the truck and I can't figure out why.

My dad lives out there and told me it’s called the Carolina Squat, hah

Valley of Plenty

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #31 on: April 09, 2023, 10:45:56 PM »
One time I got home from work and left my car idling while I went inside to grab something (planned to immediately come back and leave to go somewhere else). I forget the specific details but I ended up not going where I had planned to, and forgetting that I had left my car idling in the driveway. Woke up the next morning and my car was still running in the driveway. Burned through about half a tank of gas.

I wanted to put my face through a brick wall when I realized what I had done.

cleverscreenname

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #32 on: July 15, 2023, 09:24:18 PM »
I worked at Walmart in my youth and the majority of workers would go out to their vehicles on every break, start their cars, roll their windows down, and smoke while the radio and heat/fan/air conditioning were all off. No wonder you guys are still stuck at Walmart... maybe they all thought their 12v batteries would die if they didn't recharge them every 2 hours? haha

Valley of Plenty

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #33 on: July 16, 2023, 08:44:54 PM »
Growing up I remember always being told how important it was to let your vehicle idle for a few minutes before driving anywhere, especially if it's cold outside. Only about a year ago did I find out that actually isn't at all necessary for modern vehicles. I do have a remote starter for my car (because it came with it), which I must shamefully admit I do sometimes use on winter mornings where the temperature drops below freezing.

I have a number of coworkers who will sit in their car with the engine running for 15 minutes after work waiting for their windshield to defrost, rather than taking 60 seconds to scrape it off with an ice scraper.

neo von retorch

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #34 on: July 17, 2023, 05:39:11 AM »
Growing up I remember always being told how important it was to let your vehicle idle for a few minutes before driving anywhere, especially if it's cold outside. Only about a year ago did I find out that actually isn't at all necessary for modern vehicles. I do have a remote starter for my car (because it came with it), which I must shamefully admit I do sometimes use on winter mornings where the temperature drops below freezing.

I have a number of coworkers who will sit in their car with the engine running for 15 minutes after work waiting for their windshield to defrost, rather than taking 60 seconds to scrape it off with an ice scraper.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/should-you-warm-up-your-car-before-driving-a5580016349/

It's not "instantaneous" (for internal lubrication) but vastly improved. Still 5-15 seconds is a reasonable warm-up in warm weather. Or just let your car's idle drop and you know you're good to go. (My Mazda 3 takes like 10 seconds to go back down from ~1250 rpm to ~1000 rpm when it's warm out.)

cleverscreenname

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #35 on: July 17, 2023, 06:52:23 AM »
Thanks for that link.
A Gen2 Prius 2004-2009, the gas engine warmup of 50 seconds (Stage 1) is much longer than most vehicles. Toyota runs the Atkinson-cycle engine with inefficient timing to quickly heat the catalytic converters to optimum temperature, minimizing pollution. After 50 seconds the engine shuts off, signalling Stage 2 ready.
If you drive in Stage 1 it will propel with the hybrid battery's power, quickly draining it and requiring a little extra gas to refill it once the engine has heated up. You can bypass this with 75% or more throttle, and the gas engine will kick back to normal with corresponding extra wear and tear of oil still thick and cold.

SpaceCow

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #36 on: July 17, 2023, 08:54:12 AM »
I worked at Walmart in my youth and the majority of workers would go out to their vehicles on every break, start their cars, roll their windows down, and smoke while the radio and heat/fan/air conditioning were all off. No wonder you guys are still stuck at Walmart... maybe they all thought their 12v batteries would die if they didn't recharge them every 2 hours? haha

I used to do this when I worked at my first job. Now it seems wild to me. Gas is too cheap in America.

cleverscreenname

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #37 on: July 17, 2023, 01:39:43 PM »
That's brave to admit that here, nice job! Do you recall any motivations for doing that?
Yes, I agree gas is silly-cheap here. The oil companies don't need increased profits, instead the US needs to eliminate subsidies. Make them use their true pricing while competing with alternative energy sources.

SpaceCow

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #38 on: July 18, 2023, 08:25:34 AM »
That's brave to admit that here, nice job! Do you recall any motivations for doing that?
Yes, I agree gas is silly-cheap here. The oil companies don't need increased profits, instead the US needs to eliminate subsidies. Make them use their true pricing while competing with alternative energy sources.

Because everybody else did it, I think. The old guys would go to their truck and take a nap, and the younger guys would visit a fast food place or gas station, then eat in their cars (and or smoke).  Some people were probably paranoid about killing their battery. I think most folks really didn't think anything of the idling. Especially considering that we were used to idling our work trucks through most of the day as well.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #39 on: September 27, 2023, 09:29:47 AM »
I've got an update.  I was at my son's soccer practice the other day. 70 degrees, just before sunset, scattered clouds, a slight breeze, no bugs.  Absolutely gorgeous weather.

There are parents sitting in their cars 20 yards from the soccer fields, engines running, A/C on, even headlights on. *sigh*

dividendman

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #40 on: September 29, 2023, 09:26:51 AM »
I've got an update.  I was at my son's soccer practice the other day. 70 degrees, just before sunset, scattered clouds, a slight breeze, no bugs.  Absolutely gorgeous weather.

There are parents sitting in their cars 20 yards from the soccer fields, engines running, A/C on, even headlights on. *sigh*

The best part is when they complain about gas prices during the small-talk at games.

Just Joe

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #41 on: November 27, 2023, 06:10:02 PM »
I worked at Walmart in my youth and the majority of workers would go out to their vehicles on every break, start their cars, roll their windows down, and smoke while the radio and heat/fan/air conditioning were all off. No wonder you guys are still stuck at Walmart... maybe they all thought their 12v batteries would die if they didn't recharge them every 2 hours? haha

I have a grey headed coworker i.e. old enough to know better. Every time I am getting into or exiting my car, he seems to be out there idling his engine with the window down, air on, smoking. When I arrived this morn, I could hear the a/c compressor cycle. I dunno...

Just Joe

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Re: Soccer parents seen idling SUVs to stay warm in 59F weather
« Reply #42 on: November 27, 2023, 06:16:06 PM »
That's brave to admit that here, nice job! Do you recall any motivations for doing that?
Yes, I agree gas is silly-cheap here. The oil companies don't need increased profits, instead the US needs to eliminate subsidies. Make them use their true pricing while competing with alternative energy sources.

Because everybody else did it, I think. The old guys would go to their truck and take a nap, and the younger guys would visit a fast food place or gas station, then eat in their cars (and or smoke).  Some people were probably paranoid about killing their battery. I think most folks really didn't think anything of the idling. Especially considering that we were used to idling our work trucks through most of the day as well.

I did an experiment in the 1990s when I was in the Navy. We were going to sea for three days so I left my radio on. It was hard wired to the battery (fused) so the key did not need to be on. A basic single DIN radio with four speakers. Not loud enough to hear outside the car. Came back into port and the car started right up and I drove off.

Fast forward to 2023 and our travel car - SUV with a bunch of speakers and a sub-woofer (OEM radio, dash screen) and if you leave the car in ACC mode, it switches off after 25 minutes I believe. We did two cycles in a row with the engine off and the car wouldn't start - dead battery.  YMMV. ;)

I remember a Cub Scout trip about a decade ago where a handful of the parents disappeared the next day. Sitting in their cars with the a/c on listening to the big game on the radio...
« Last Edit: November 27, 2023, 06:17:46 PM by Just Joe »