Should You Turn Off the Engine in Traffic Jams?

[LaMaci]

Whether to turn off the engine in a traffic jam depends on the specific situation, as detailed below: Short-term jams (no need to turn off): Generally, it is not recommended to turn off the engine during short traffic stops (under 2 minutes), as the queue may start moving at any moment. Restarting the engine adds to the driving process, prolongs travel time, and may worsen traffic congestion. Long-term stops (should turn off): If stopped for over 2 minutes, turning off the engine saves fuel. Keeping the engine idling for extended periods maintains low RPM operation, which increases carbon buildup on pistons and valves. This can lead to unstable idling and reduced engine performance, potentially affecting the engine's lifespan.