Why do London cabs cover their radiators during the winter?

The owners of a lot of cabs seem to place a piece of plastic or other material over their radiators during cold weather? Is this to improve fuel economy by keeping the engine warm, or is there an inherent design fault?

Answers:

1Engines are most efficient at their correct working temperature. If an engine is running cold the engine wear rate is increased, so in winter increasing the engine temperature by partially covering the radiator can can reduce engine wear. It will also increase the output from heater for the benefit of the driver passengers. Not recommended for modern cars. Covering the radiator whilst parked during high winds and wintery conditions can save an engine from freezing, then so can the correct mix of antifreeze. As a guide this should be as sweet as 2 sugars in tea.

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