Cold in Iowa (engine takes a long time to warm up -- new thermostat)

[chefsue2]

Hi, this is Sue and have a 2009 Chevy Aveo LT. Will not heat up while idling as I scrape ice, etc. Have to drive 5-10 miles before it does. New thermostat two years ago. Made no difference.

[xintersecty]

Hi Sue,

I used to live in Ceder Rapids with my Aveo for a two mile drive to work. Normally I would walk downtown but alas there were days I had to carry crap and my car did not warm up at all. So I moved to SC. I still drive two miles to work but I don't care as I have a light jacket or a long sleeve shirt. This is probably the advice you don't want.

Basically, these small car engines talk a while to heat the water so idle longer (more gas) or don't breath (not possible) to fog up the glass.

One more bit O'advice, don't turn on the heater until the water is warmed up. Basically, you are making the engine work harder. The quicker the engine warms up (the more fuel efficient) the quicker it then can heat up the air in your cabin.

I mean have you even got in car with it friggin cold and the owner turns on the fans just to blow more cold air all over you like that helps.

[chefsue2]

Hi, thank you very much for that needed info. I am moving to a warmer climate south of Seattle myself next summer so this is my last of three winters here.

[xintersecty]

Hi, thank you very much for that needed info. I am moving to a warmer climate south of Seattle myself next summer so this is my last of three winters here.

So you took my advice. Good luck going to Seattle and love your aveo. It takes about 10 minutes at idle to warm up your engine. If you can afford the gas, heat up your engine, while heating up the engine scrap the glass, then start defrosting the glass with the cabin air and make sure your recirculating your cabin air.

[MetroMPG]

Another option if you have access to a power outlet: get a block heater.

But I'm surprised it takes that long for the engine to start generating heat. If you have an OBD scan tool you could monitor the coolant temperature digitally to rule out that it's not a problem with the heater core or the temperature adjustment.

[xintersecty]

If you have an OBD scan tool you could monitor the coolant temperature digitally to rule out that it's not a problem with the heater core or the temperature adjustment.

Metro always has good advice. Most people have smart phones you can buy a ODB to bluetooth tool and turn your smart phone into a scanner with Torque App.

Amazon.com: Vgate Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID: Automotive