Is There Any Impact If the Engine Is Not Turned Off After Parking?
3 Answers
Keeping the engine running after parking is not good for the engine. When the vehicle is parked, the engine is in an idle state with a very small throttle opening, which leads to a low air content in the combustible mixture. This can result in incomplete combustion in the engine, causing carbon deposits. Prolonged parking without turning off the engine will increase carbon deposits inside the engine. Incomplete combustion of the combustible mixture also places additional burden on the three-way catalytic converter, potentially damaging it. Moreover, incomplete combustion can lead to excessive pollutants in the exhaust, harming the environment. Therefore, during regular vehicle use, it is advisable to avoid frequently leaving the engine running for extended periods without turning it off, as carbon deposits can cause significant harm to the engine.
As a seasoned driver, I've realized that keeping the engine running after parking does have quite a few negative impacts. I used to leave my car idling while waiting for friends by the roadside, thinking it was convenient, but after experiencing engine carbon buildup issues once, I understood the drawbacks. Prolonged idling wastes fuel unnecessarily – for instance, ten minutes might burn half a liter of gasoline, which not only wastes money but also increases emissions and pollutes the environment. Moreover, when the engine runs idle, combustion is incomplete, leading to carbon deposits that can clog the system, potentially causing subsequent starting difficulties or reduced power. From a safety perspective, if you forget to engage the handbrake while parked, there's a risk of the car rolling away dangerously if the engine is still on. Additionally, prolonged idling in a garage can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, posing health risks. Therefore, I recommend making it a habit to turn off the engine when parked – it protects both your wallet and your safety.
I've always been concerned about green transportation and believe that idling while parked is a major issue. When a car is idling, it continues to burn fuel and emit exhaust, such as releasing dozens of grams of extra CO2 per hour of idling, exacerbating climate change and urban smog. It's acceptable not to turn off the engine for short stops like waiting at traffic lights, but if it exceeds 30 seconds, the engine should be shut off to reduce noise and air pollution. I've even tested my own car's data—idling consumes 20% more fuel than turning off the engine, which is also bad for battery charging and reduces its lifespan in the long run. Promoting the habit of turning off the engine can help the planet a little while also saving on fuel costs amid rising oil prices. Why not take action and contribute our modest efforts to environmental protection?
