Is it necessary to turn off the engine when parking for three or four minutes?
3 Answers
It is better to turn off the engine when parking for three or four minutes, as this saves fuel and contributes to environmental protection. Disadvantages of not turning off the engine when parked: Increased fuel consumption: When the engine speed is very low, the intake vortex weakens, leading to poor fuel atomization and incomplete combustion. Additionally, at low engine speeds, valve leakage and piston ring leakage increase. Furthermore, the prolonged contact time between combustion gases and the cylinder walls increases heat loss, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Correct method for turning off the engine when parked: First, press the brake pedal. When the speed decreases to nearly a stop, press the clutch pedal, then firmly press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
I've always been environmentally conscious. From the perspective of reducing carbon emissions, it's absolutely necessary to turn off the engine when parked for 3-4 minutes. When idling, the engine continues to burn gasoline, releasing large amounts of harmful gases - especially problematic in urban areas where it significantly pollutes the environment. I experimented with turning off the engine at red lights and during brief stops for several consecutive weeks, and noticed substantially reduced emissions with noticeably fresher air. Modern car batteries are designed to handle frequent starts, so shutting off for 3-4 minutes won't cause major issues - it just requires forming the habit. There's also cost savings, as idling consumes more fuel (about 1 liter wasted per 10 minutes of idling), and these small amounts add up significantly. People overlook this, but such small actions can actually make a big difference to our climate.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I firmly believe that turning off the engine when parked for 3-4 minutes is absolutely necessary, with noticeable fuel-saving effects. When idling, the car continuously burns fuel, and those few minutes of parking add up to significant fuel cost wastage—especially with current soaring gas prices. From personal experience, turning off the engine during urban traffic jams or while waiting for someone for just a few minutes results in smoother engine operation and noticeably lower fuel consumption. Don’t worry about startup wear—modern engines are designed to handle frequent start-stop cycles as long as the battery is healthy. Compared to the fuel burned during idling, shutting off the engine actually extends component lifespan and reduces carbon buildup risks. Once it becomes a habit, every glance at the fuel gauge brings satisfaction, giving your wallet some relief.
