If you are going to a shop for a minute, is it better to turn car engine off or leave it running?
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
a minute i think it wouldn't be useful. Make it 3-4 mintues, i think it would make sense.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
what country are you in?
do you want the car to be there when you return?
:D
seriously speaking though.....
I am told that the most wear and tear on a vehicle occurs when you start it.
I have to assume that this would mean if the engine is "cold".
If the engine has been running for sometime and you are stopping at a store for a few minutes then I don't think that you will cause any further harm by turning it off and then starting it again. You will however, save the environment from pollution to some degree.
I could be wrong so I'll wait for someone with specialized expertise/knowledge on this to respond.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
^ have researched this extensively. Idling is my pet Peeve. Above poster spot on.
The time at which one should turn off engine varies from 10 sec to 1 minute based on site you go to. I don't bother for anything less than 45 sec.
Going inside shop and returning takes minimum of 1 min. So no brainer that engine be turned off. Idling simply uses fuel and spews CO2 into atmosphere.
Personally I don't use drivethroughs. And turn off engine at intersection when I see light just turned red and I know wait time > 1 min. Some intersections one ends up waiting 4-5 min. It becomes ridiculous to see all engines idling.
Last part has safety issues. So I cannot recommend others do. But it just mind boggling to see amt of WASTE.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
I think 3 min is the time.
but remember an off engine is a good engine.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
Don't know how to cut and paste multiple links at one stroke. So will post one link at a time re what is appropriate time.
I like the last sentence by what's his name above.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
in Ontario, the rule of the thumb is to shut the engine off if the stop is over 3 minutes. besides the wastage of fuel, you also pollute the environment. there are signs in some places which asks the drivers to shut off the engine if he/she plans to idle for more than 30 seconds.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
In some places it is considered illegal even at your own personal drive way.
Newer hybrid smart vehicles shut off engines every time the vehicle comes to a stop. Even at stop light. The engine starts as soon as the brakes are released. It can be annoying or startling if the person is not used to it.
(if parked at parking spot, then parking brakes must be on and wheels turned towards the curb, in hilly area...while idling)
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
If you are going to a shop for a minute, is it better to turn car engine off or leave it running?
In London if you go into the shop for a minute and leave the engine running when you come out you will have to take a taxi home.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
Thankfully I don't have to worry about car being stolen.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
turn it off .... unless you have some beat up car that would take 10 minutes to cough up and start
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
buray wakt pa pata naheen hay, gaari chori na ho to naheen hoti, honay ko aik mint bhi boht hay behter hay ehtiyaat ki jaye,
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
^Agree.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
Studies have shone if wait time > 30 sec turn off engine. I use 1 min. Even at intersections when light just turned red I turn of engine. Better for environment. Why spew CO2 etc.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
^ in cold climate like ours, we have to let the car run for at least a few minutes to be able to put our hands on the steering and our butts on the seat…my seat has a bun-toaster 
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
Sure. Wasn't referring to the starting though. Also in super cold climate I wouldn't dream of turning off engine. Experienced it Jan 6 and 7 in Chicago. The coldest it had been in 20 plus years. Driving from Ohare early morning 5 aam was terryfying to say the least.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
^I miss Chicago. :(
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
Yaar aap aadmi bannay yeh bachiyon wali bun toaster say 
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
If I don't want my car jacked, I better make sure it's off and locked. Even at a petrol station.
Re: Leave Engine running or turn off
There was news here in houston that a mom left her child in a running car to go grab a soda, when she came back the car and kid were gone.