Should the Car Be Turned Off When Waiting at a Red Light?
2 Answers
It is generally recommended not to turn off the car when waiting at a red light because the duration is relatively short, and it does not save fuel. If the car is turned off, the fuel injected during restarting is roughly equivalent to the fuel consumed during a short idle period. Additionally, it can wear out the starter and shorten the battery's lifespan. Below is a brief introduction on whether the car should be turned off during short stops while driving: 1. Long stops: If the stop duration exceeds 2 minutes, the car can be turned off. 2. Short stops: If the stop duration is very short, there is no need to turn off the car. The engine, as the heart of the vehicle, will inevitably suffer a reduced lifespan from excessive turning off and restarting. Frequent ignition starts can also affect the lifespan of the spark plugs.
I'm someone who's particularly concerned about environmental protection and fuel economy, so if the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, I manually turn off the engine. Studies show that idling consumes a lot of fuel, while restarting uses just a tiny amount, especially in urban traffic jams, saving a few bucks a day. Not only does it save money, but it also reduces exhaust emissions, helping the environment. However, don't bother with short lights, as restarting increases wear and tear slightly, which isn't worth it. Developing the habit is simple—just watch the traffic light countdown. Overall, it's good for daily expenses and the planet, killing two birds with one stone.
