What Does It Mean to Keep the Engine Running?

[CarterMarie]

Keeping the engine running while parked means stopping the car and letting the engine idle. Generally, this is only necessary when the engine shows signs of overheating, as it allows the coolant to continue circulating and dissipating heat. Another situation is when the battery is low on charge, requiring idling for a period to recharge. Relevant information about idling is as follows: 1. Introduction: Idling is a working condition of a car, referring to the engine running in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is called the idle speed. The idle speed can be adjusted by altering the throttle opening size, among other methods. Idling means the engine is "producing power but not doing work." 2. Driving Idle: When the car is in gear, without pressing the accelerator pedal or releasing it while driving, maintaining the minimum throttle opening, the engine speed matches the parked idle speed. This state is referred to as driving idle.