Should the engine be turned off when parking for 20 minutes?

[LaAvery]

Parking for 20 minutes requires turning off the engine. Under normal circumstances, if the car is parked for more than 1 minute, the engine should be turned off. When parking, you should turn on the right turn signal, observe the traffic conditions behind and to the right, gently steer the wheel, and lightly brake to slow down and move to the right. Parking a car requires a parking space. Car parking space: A parking space, also known as a parking spot, refers to the place where a vehicle is parked, including outdoor and indoor locations. Parking spaces can be divided into two types based on fees: free parking spaces and paid parking spaces. Car engine: The car engine is the device that provides power to the car, determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental friendliness.

[LaAnna]

I always turn off the engine if parked for 20 minutes—it saves fuel and money. Idling for 20 minutes burns at least half a liter of gasoline, wasting several yuan at current fuel prices. Doing this daily adds up to significant losses over a year. In summer, if I want A/C, I weigh the options: keeping the engine running cools the cabin but increases fuel consumption and accelerates engine wear. Unless the weather is extreme, I prefer turning off the engine for fresh air or briefly restarting it. Don’t forget, idling also emits pollutants, worsening air quality—so it’s an eco-friendly habit too. In short, 20 minutes is long enough to justify shutting off the engine, benefiting both your wallet and your car. After adopting this habit, I’ve saved noticeably on urban driving costs. I recommend trying it, especially when parked and waiting—prioritize turning off the engine.

[Douglas]

From an environmental perspective, I recommend turning off the engine when parked for 20 minutes. Prolonged idling releases a large amount of exhaust, such as carbon dioxide and harmful particulates, polluting the environment and affecting health. I always turn off the engine when parked for too long, unless air conditioning is necessary, but 20 minutes generally doesn't require it. Data shows that idling emissions contribute to urban pollution, and actively turning off the engine reduces carbon footprint. In the long run, this can also promote green driving habits, such as being more responsible by turning off the engine when dropping off kids at school. Overall, the benefits of turning off the engine far outweigh the drawbacks, and it's a simple and easy way to contribute to the planet. By sticking to this practice, I feel I'm contributing to cleaner air.

[McEva]

Parking for 20 minutes makes engine shutdown necessary, with engine protection being the priority. Prolonged idling can easily cause carbon buildup, component wear, and affect performance longevity. When driving a Hyundai, I use the auto start-stop feature where the system manages shutdown and restart automatically. For older cars without this function, manually turning off the engine is better—20 minutes is enough to cause overheating. Don't worry about battery drain; normal short parking won't affect it. Engine health comes first—idling wastes resources and harms the car. Simply shutting it off is worry-free and maintains long-term performance. Make it a habit to keep your car more durable and efficient.