Can a Car Be Locked If the Engine Is Left Running?
2 Answers
For vehicles with a push-button start, the car cannot be locked if the engine is left running. Push-button start models require the vehicle to be in the P (Park) position and turned off to completely cut power. If the engine is turned off without shifting to P, although the engine stops running, the vehicle's power system remains active, preventing the doors from being locked. Here are some relevant details: 1. Push-Button Start: Using the push-button start when the car is in P or N (Neutral) does not harm the engine. However, turning off the engine while the car is in gear can cause damage. For safety reasons, it is recommended to press the brake pedal before using the push-button start to turn off the engine. 2. Precautions: When locking the car, ensure all power switches inside the vehicle are turned off to prevent battery drain.
I've been driving for twenty years and often encounter this issue. When the car isn't turned off, theoretically many vehicles can still be locked, such as by pressing the remote key fob once to lock the doors while the engine remains running. However, I think this is quite dangerous. If parked in a garage, exhaust fumes can accumulate and potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is especially deadly in enclosed spaces. Moreover, with the engine running, the car becomes an easy target for thieves, particularly at night or in less populated areas. Some newer cars are safer, with certain models featuring systems that warn you or prevent locking if you forget to turn off the engine, specifically designed to prevent such accidents. I recommend developing a habit of always checking the dashboard to confirm the engine is off before exiting the vehicle, or setting up a phone reminder. Another handy trick is to attach a small tag to your keychain with 'Turn Off Engine' written on it as a personal reminder.
