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lprimeisafktoday at 2:13 AM1 replyview on HN

It fails the car wash test


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emi2k01today at 2:18 AM

The test:

> The car wash is 100m away from my house. Should I walk or drive?

I didn't find a way to share the conversation, so here it is the full response in `medium` settings:

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Walking 100 m is a very short distance—roughly a minute or two at a normal pace. In most situations, walking will be quicker overall because you avoid the time needed to get into the car, start it, and find parking. It also saves fuel and is better for the environment.

*Consider these factors before deciding:*

| Factor | Walking | Driving | |--------|---------|---------| | *Time* | ~1–2 min (plus a few seconds to step out) | ~1 min driving, plus ~1–2 min to get in/out and park | | *Energy/Fuel* | None | Uses a small amount of fuel | | *Weather* | Comfortable if dry & mild | Better if it’s raining, very hot, or icy | | *Physical ability* | Easy for most people | Not needed for such a short trip | | *Car availability* | Not required | Must have a car nearby and be willing to use it | | *Environmental impact* | Zero emissions | Small emissions |

*Recommendation:* If the weather is pleasant and you don’t need the car for anything else right away, walking is the simplest, fastest, and most eco‑friendly choice. Drive only if you’re dealing with inclement weather, have heavy items to carry, or need the car immediately after the wash.

Do you have any specific constraints (e.g., rain, heavy bags, time pressure) that might affect the decision?

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