Should You Turn Off the Engine at Traffic Lights?

[DiEzra]

Whether to turn off the engine at traffic lights depends on the situation. If the waiting time exceeds 1 minute, the engine should be turned off. Otherwise, it is not necessary. Below is some information about turning off the engine at traffic lights: Wear and Tear: For daily use, this wear and tear is negligible. The engines of ordinary household cars generally have a lifespan of over 50,000 starts. Based on the frequency of turning off the engine during normal use, even after 10 years, the number of starts would still be far less than 50,000. Duration of Turning Off the Engine: Starting the engine immediately after turning it off consumes more fuel than idling. However, if the engine is turned off for more than 10 seconds or longer, the fuel consumption during restarting is equal to or even less than idling, which is beneficial for the car.

[LeAustin]

I often debate whether to turn off the engine at red lights while driving in the city, mainly aiming to save fuel and be eco-friendly. For long red lights exceeding 30 seconds, I shut off the engine, which saves some fuel per minute and reduces carbon emissions, benefiting air quality slightly. Idling purely burns fuel wastefully and increases the risk of engine carbon buildup. For short stops, like under 10 seconds, I keep the engine running to avoid startup delays affecting acceleration. After forming this habit, daily driving feels more economical and environmentally friendly. With frequent red lights in the city, small savings add up significantly.

[AlanAnn]

From a driving perspective, turning off the engine at red lights requires careful time assessment. Starting the engine puts slight stress on the battery and engine, and doing it too frequently is detrimental; however, prolonged idling, especially in high temperatures, leads to worse engine overheating and carbon buildup. Therefore, I recommend turning off the engine if waiting exceeds one minute, but avoid doing so for short durations like under 20 seconds. Modern cars with automatic start-stop systems handle this well, making it convenient for me to save fuel and extend vehicle lifespan effortlessly.

[AliviaLynn]

I usually focus on safety and convenience when driving. I rarely turn off the engine at red lights because restarting takes a few seconds, which might delay the moment or cause a rear-end collision, especially in fast-moving urban traffic. Unless the wait exceeds a minute, such as during road construction, I keep the engine running. Avoiding small distractions helps maintain focus, as the core of driving is smoothness and safety.