What gear should be engaged when the engine is left running for a long time?
1 Answers
For manual transmission vehicles that are left running for a long time, you can shift into neutral (N) and engage the handbrake. For automatic transmission models, you can either shift into neutral (N) and engage the handbrake or shift into park (P) and firmly apply the handbrake. However, it is not recommended to leave the engine running for extended periods because prolonged idling is harmful to the engine. When the vehicle is idling, combustion is incomplete, producing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. If someone is sleeping in the car with the air conditioning on and the windows closed, there is a risk of poisoning. Additionally, prolonged idling can cause the engine compartment temperature to rise, increasing the risk of spontaneous combustion, especially during hot summer days. Idling also leads to increased carbon buildup, resulting in issues such as higher fuel consumption, unstable idling, and sluggish acceleration.