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    How long should you preheat a car engine in Finnish winter?

    Recommended heating times for cold mornings.

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    Short answer

    The Finnish motoring organisation Autoliitto, quoted by Moottori, recommends these times for an electric preheater: half an hour to an hour when it is 0 to minus 5 °C, one to two hours at minus 5 to minus 10 °C, and two to three hours below minus 10 °C. If the heater warms the coolant directly, such as a block heater, use the shorter end of the range. Longer heating mostly wastes electricity.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. Moottori lists 0.5 to 1 hour at 0 to minus 5 °C.
    2. Below minus 10 °C the recommended time is 2 to 3 hours.
    3. Block and hose heaters, which heat coolant directly, need the shorter time.

    Details

    Preheating reduces fuel use and emissions from a cold start and is easier on the engine, Moottori notes. A timer lets you start heating at the right time automatically.

    Tip

    Ask the rental company or host whether the car has a block heater and where to plug it in.

    What may differ

    Car makers may give their own instructions, especially for hybrids and electric cars. Check the owner's manual.

    Common misconception

    Leaving the engine idling is the best way to warm a car.

    What actually happens

    Preheating with a heater is recommended. Idling warms the engine slowly and adds emissions.

    People also ask

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    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    • Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

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    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

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    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

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    • Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?

      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

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