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AIBU?

DH leaving the car running

47 replies

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 00:39

DH has always had a thing about starting cars before he needs to drive off. He'll do it if he is worried the car might not start, if he's in the car but one of us isn't yet, if the car is iced over, etc.

We had words on many occasions about him leaving the car running to defrost and coming back into the house. He thinks that problem is now solved because his diesel company car now has a keyless ignition so he can lock it still running and walk away.

This morning he was leaving at 6.30 in his smelly petrol 'classic' car to go away with work for 2 days. He was worried it wouldn't start so went out before he was ready to go to check. Don't ask my why. It makes no sense as his company car was sitting there ready to be used if it didn't. He then left it running and came back in to finish his coffee, gel his hair etc.

By the time he came to say goodbye I was lying in bed seething and told him to just go and get the car moved quickly so he left in a huff.

We live in a link detached house and he parks in front of the garage so fairly close to the NDNs. Their bedrooms are at the front of the house and, for all I know, they may sleep with the bedroom window slightly open. I happen to know that a neighbour across the road definitely does.

AIBU to think he's being inconsiderate to our neighbours, if not to us when he fills the vicinity with diesel or very smelly petrol fumes, to say nothing of the noise, when most people are still in bed?

Or is this a normal thing to do and I am being over sensitive?

Not sure I should even be asking this because if it turns out IANBU I will be even crosser with him next time he does it.

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HoHoHoNoYouDont · 04/04/2013 00:48

YANBU. This is strange behaviour IMO. It's not very environmentally friendly either is it!

I think he has a psychological issue going on if I'm honest and may benefit from speaking to someone about why he feels the need to do it.

ComeOnBeANoOne · 04/04/2013 00:48

YANBU

My bedroom faces the street and it is infuriating when someone sits there in their car or leaves it running... especially in the summer when people are sleeping with the windows open, it is loud. I've always wondered though, because my Dad used to leave the car to warm up in the winter when I was growing up... aren't you afraid someone will just waltz up and drive off? Or should I have more faith in humanity?

HoHoHoNoYouDont · 04/04/2013 00:50

Does he only do this in winter/bad weather or all year round?

MrsTerryPratchett · 04/04/2013 00:50

DH is Canadian and does this. Acts like he still lives somewhere where is is regularly 40 below. We live in a temperate climate now. STOP IT DH. No help to you of course.

ComposHat · 04/04/2013 00:53

He is BU for still using hair gel. It isn't 1987 anymore.

Let me guess, his 'classic car' is a Capri isn't it?

MoonlightandRoses · 04/04/2013 00:57

Well, YANBU in my opinion - completely unnecessary. The only exception could be in v.arctic conditions as set out here as diesel can get 'waxy' - but the Canadians on that thread are talking minus 20C...

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 00:58

All year round if he has an excuse but far more in winter to defrost it.

No it's not a Capri but it is only a little older. One of only about 5 in the country so won't say what it is in case it outs me.

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Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 00:59

We're in the UK so minus 20 isn't going to be an excuse.

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ComposHat · 04/04/2013 01:00

Opel Mantra?

Triumph Stag?

mrssmartarse · 04/04/2013 01:01

Conposhat haha Capri!

Yanbu my Dh had MY car stolen last year doing this the insurance did not pay out either as the vehicle was unsecured Tw@t x

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:01

I lived in fear of someone driving off in our family car when he used to do it in that because I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be insured. TBH they could have the classic car with pleasure.

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Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:02

Neither of those.

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Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:03

I was right then mrssmartarse. Sorry to hear it happened to you. Did you do him damage?

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ComposHat · 04/04/2013 01:04

Datsun 240Z?

Oh I give up!

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:05

No but nice try.

Not telling, sorry

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mrssmartarse · 04/04/2013 01:06

I took his precious old banger for a month before making him sell it to replace my car x

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:08

That sounds very restrained!

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mrssmartarse · 04/04/2013 01:12

No that's just about all I can post without outing myself as my wrath took a very unusual route of revenge! X

Grockle · 04/04/2013 01:14

YANBU

Some of my neighbours do this & it irritates me. They sit outside with the engine running for ages. The smell makes me feel sick & the sound, especially of Diesel engines, hurts my ears. It wakes me up when I am asleep & I find it utterly selfish & pointless. I have gone outside in the past to ask them to turn it off.

There's also the environmental impact...not huge in itself but contributing & thoughtless.

Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:15

I'm intrigued now!

I was tanking how much nicer a person you were than me before your last post because I'm not sure DH would get off that lightly

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Goldmandra · 04/04/2013 01:16

I think I may need to show him this thread.

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mrssmartarse · 04/04/2013 01:22

Well then you should defo look up wives revenge on stupid husband on YouTube and show him that too x

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lottiegarbanzo · 04/04/2013 01:26

Weird behaviour and totally unnecessary. Illogical too. It has started, demonstrating that it starts. No need to leave it running then.

What is his rationale? Has he been watching too many episodes of ice road truckers? Is he about 80 and think he's living in the 1960s?

If I was your neighbour I would hate you.

There was a horrible case a year or two ago of someone being run over while doing this then defrosting her car, which was then stolen.

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 04/04/2013 01:27

If I was your neighbour, Id be tempted to sneak out and steal his car keys!

lottiegarbanzo · 04/04/2013 01:31

p.s. my mother was Canadian and we used to get proper snow, back when I was a girl. She did not do this. She bought reliable cars.

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