How long should you park before turning off the engine?
2 Answers
It is recommended to turn off the engine if parking for more than 15 minutes. For stops lasting just a few minutes, keeping the engine running is acceptable. Prolonged idling can lead to incomplete combustion in the engine, increasing carbon deposits. Carbon buildup poses significant risks to the engine. Severe carbon accumulation can alter the engine's original structural parameters, reducing power output and increasing fuel consumption. In extreme cases, it may cause engine knocking, abnormal acceleration noises, damage to pistons and crankshafts, and even lead to oil burning, necessitating major repairs. Engine carbon deposits are a sticky, coked substance formed from unsaturated olefins and gums in fuel under high temperatures during engine operation.
As a regular car owner who drives frequently, I always consider fuel consumption. Idling the engine while parked wastes gasoline for nothing, so I generally recommend turning off the engine if you expect to stop for more than 30 seconds to 1 minute. For example, during long traffic light waits or extended waiting periods. Idling can consume 0.5 to 1 liter of fuel per hour, while restarting uses only a minimal amount. I've tested this, and doing so consistently can save a significant amount on fuel costs, which is wallet-friendly. Modern car starting systems are designed to be robust, so there's no need to worry about frequent starts and stops damaging the battery or engine. Remember, short stops like pulling over for a few seconds are fine, but extended engine shutdowns can improve efficiency.
