Taking time to drive off

[ll_billym]

What do some poeple do in their cars for so long before driving off?

When I get into my car I sit down, turn the key and drive off in about 10 seconds. Yet outside their house, at the garage, in the car park, people get in their car and seem to take forever to drive off and I was just wondering what they do that takes so long.

Thanks.

[qapmoc]

Well if they are driving diesel vehicles they are probably waiting for the engine heater light to go out before starting, and then maybe they put their seatbelt on and check their mirrors etc.. as the highway code suggests before moving off which you obviously dont if you move off within 10 seconds.

[dilligaf]

I spend a few seconds putting my seat belt on, then make sure my mobile is turned off. Probably think of a few more things but thats just for starters.

[Ward-Minter]

usually the female of the species is slower off the mark. I imagine they have things on their minds like ironing or cooking.

[dilligaf]

Ward -Minter forgot to include twisting the drivers mirror towards her so make up can be applied and hair adjusted, then she decides where to put the hand bag. This now presents a problem, as most cars now have an automatic choke ant there is no longer a choke lever to pull out to hang it on.
Once several calls on the mobile have been made to catch up on the gosip, she's off!

[Coobeastie]

I remember reading a motoring article once where the writer (might have been l j k setright) if being a passenger in a car knew from experience that the driver was good if he/she took time to get comfortable in the car before driving off.

[October]

I'm checking this list:-
On approaching car, check tyres (flats, low pressure) and any obvious sign of damage (quick walk round car)

I get into car and then check:-
handbrake on, gear in neutral
all doors closed
driver's seat not moved forward by g/f
wing & rear view mirrors - may have been moved/adjusted
depress clutch and turn engine on, check warning signs on dashboard (oil, fuel, water, abs, handbrake etc)
windows - demist / cracked open if necessary
check footbrake for pressure
seat belt on (this is the last thing I do just in case of fire)
my car, so I'm familiar with all controls
look all around
indicate if necessary
then move off when safe to do so

After driving a short distance I'll check:-
gauges, esp temperature
brakes

I guess all that takes a bit more than 10 seconds !!

[crgb14]

Personally.....

I get in and start the engine, mine's a diesel so i like to let it run in for a few seconds. While doing this I'll browse through my CD's and choose what takes my fancy.

This can take maybe up to 60 seconds.

[Toureman]

Does it realy matter?