Can You Lock the Car Doors Without Turning Off the Engine?

[LukeAnn]

When the vehicle is not turned off, you cannot lock the car doors. Even if some car models allow locking the doors without turning off the engine, the engine will automatically shut off after locking. Here are some methods to prevent forgetting to turn off the engine when exiting the car: 1. Check the tachometer and display screen. Before getting out of the car, observe whether the display screen has turned off and gone black, and whether the tachometer reads zero. 2. Raise the steering wheel. When setting the steering wheel position, avoid setting it at the highest position. This way, when parking and turning off the engine, the steering wheel will rise. 3. Turn on the daytime running lights. In the light settings, enable the daytime running lights. After locking the doors, if the daytime running lights dim, it indicates the engine has turned off.

[JuneFitz]

I've driven quite a few cars, and from my experience, it's possible to lock the car doors without turning off the engine, especially with newer models equipped with remote keys or keyless entry systems. These systems operate independently of the engine status—you just need to press the lock button on the key fob, and the doors will lock, which is very convenient. For example, during winter warm-ups, I often do this: start the engine to let the car warm up, then step out to grab something while locking the doors to prevent tampering. However, there are potential risks: if children or pets remain inside, locking the doors with the engine running could lead to harmful gas buildup or even allow thieves to drive off with your car. So, I recommend only doing this briefly within sight and developing the habit of turning off the engine before locking up for safety—after all, your car is a prized possession worth cherishing. Remember to check the key fob battery regularly to avoid being stranded due to malfunction. Overall, technology makes life smarter, but don’t let your guard down.

[Tammy]

This reminds me of an incident last summer—I drove to the supermarket to buy some things, left the engine running when I got out of the car, and casually locked the doors with the remote. When I returned, I realized I had left the keys on the seat! I was so frantic I broke into a sweat. Luckily, a passerby helped keep an eye on the car while I rushed home to get the spare key. Since then, I’ve learned that the remote system does allow locking the doors while the engine is running, but it carries significant risks: thieves could take advantage and steal the car, or prolonged operation in an enclosed space like a garage could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Now, I always make sure the engine is off and the keys are with me before locking the doors. I especially want to remind new car owners not to be as careless as I was—safety should always come first. In fact, many vehicle manuals warn against this behavior and recommend testing system compatibility when setting up automatic locking features. Developing good habits can save you trouble and prevent accidents.

[Parra]

You can definitely lock the car doors without turning off the engine—I've seen it countless times. With modern car models' remote functions, just press the button, and it works even with the engine running. This is mainly because the door lock electronic module and the power system are controlled separately, making it convenient for quick operation. However, be cautious: for example, if you lock the doors and walk away in a parking lot, the engine noise might attract thieves' attention; or if the engine overheats or malfunctions, locking the doors could make repairs difficult and cause delays. I always say never leave children alone in such a car, as accidental operations could be very dangerous. The best practice is to avoid this operation—turning off the engine before locking the doors is safer and more environmentally friendly. Checking the battery is also crucial to prevent system failure.