My question here is about running a car. About how long could you let it idle before it would make more sense just to turn it off. (You know like flourescent lights) I’m not looking for an exact number just a rough idea. Would it be more like 5 mins or an hour.
Formerly known as Nec3f on the AOL SDMB
1 minute. But there’s wear and tear on the starter and related mechanisms to consider. This figure is strictly related to the amount of fuel burned.
{{{My question here is about running a car. About how long could you let it idle before it would make more sense just to turn it off. (You know like flourescent lights)}}}—Joey P
Most new car owner’s manuals (that I’ve read) have a statement warning against excessive idling of a vehicle. They tend to define excessive as anything over 10 minutes or so.
It’s my guess that this has something to do with the high temperatures achieved through the normal operation of a catalytic convertor. If your vehicle isn’t so equipped, you may not find that particular limitation on idling time ststed in the owner’s manual.
–Kalél
(The Original EnigmaOne)
Common ¢ for all ages.