Should You Turn Off the Engine at a Red Light?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to turn off the engine while waiting at a red light, as this practice does not save fuel. The duration is relatively short, and the fuel injected during restart is roughly equivalent to the fuel consumed during that brief period. Additionally, it can wear out the starter and shorten the battery's lifespan. More detailed information is as follows: 1. Always consider the duration of the stop before turning off the engine. If the stop lasts longer than 2 minutes, you can turn off the engine. For shorter stops, it is completely unnecessary. The engine, being the heart of the car, will see its lifespan reduced by excessive shutting off and restarting. Frequent ignition starts also affect the lifespan of the spark plugs. 2. Traffic jams should be evaluated based on their duration. If the idle time is expected to be prolonged, such as during traffic control, it is advisable to turn off the engine. For short-term traffic jams (e.g., waiting at a red light), it is not recommended. 3. Data shows that each engine start consumes fuel equivalent to one minute of driving. During short traffic jams, it is advisable to shift to neutral and engage the handbrake (for manual transmission vehicles, shift to neutral and engage the handbrake). This helps relieve foot fatigue by freeing both feet. Some minor rear-end collisions occur due to leg numbness caused by prolonged pressing of the brake and clutch.
As someone who frequently drives in the city, I think turning off the engine at red lights is beneficial in many cases, especially when the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, as it reduces emissions and fuel consumption. I've observed that in congested areas, frequent starts and stops accumulate exhaust pollution, and the exhaust smoke visibly decreases after turning off the engine. For individuals, saving a bit on fuel adds up over time and is cost-effective. However, it's important to note that this isn't suitable for all situations: turning off the engine for short red lights, like those under 10 seconds, can actually consume more fuel because restarting requires more energy. When driving, I make it a habit to check the red light countdown or rely on experience to judge—if it's over 20 seconds, I confidently turn off the engine, and using the start-stop system makes it even more efficient. Occasionally, when friends ask me, I tell them small habits can lead to big changes—beneficial for the environment and saving costs—but avoid frequent operations to prevent damage to engine components.
