Should the Engine Be Turned Off While Waiting in the Car?

[MacMiles]

When waiting in the car for less than five minutes, it is acceptable to keep the engine running. However, for waits exceeding five minutes, it is advisable to turn off the engine. Prolonged idling can be harmful to the engine, especially in underground parking lots where extended idling should be avoided. Hazards of prolonged idling while waiting in the car: 1. Extended idling causes the engine temperature to drop too low, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which can result in carbon buildup, clogged fuel injectors, and severe cases may cause piston rings to seize or even break. 2. During prolonged idling, poor fuel atomization can cause unburned atomized diesel to condense, washing down the cylinder walls and contaminating the lubricating oil, diluting and degrading its quality. This lack of proper lubrication increases wear on engine components. 3. Poor combustion during extended idling worsens engine emissions. If toxic gases enter the cabin, they can pose serious health risks to occupants.