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gas4meON Rookie Author Ontario Posts:41 Points:9,225 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 9, 2011 12:05:56 PM Ignore gas4meON Report Abuse My colleague and i were having a discussion on this and we could not beleive that Idling your car for 60 seconds would cost as much as turning it off. If you have any thoughts on this please let me hear them

gas4meON

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Ontario

Posts:41
Points:9,225
Joined:Jun 2011

Message Posted: Jun 9, 2011 12:05:56 PM

Ignore gas4meON Report Abuse

My colleague and i were having a discussion on this and we could not beleive that Idling your car for 60 seconds would cost as much as turning it off.

If you have any thoughts on this please let me hear them

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rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:23,067 Points:3,550,120 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: May 1, 2012 6:05:22 AM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse I turn off the car when in line at the car wash, not like others I see that sit waiting with engine running, vehicle in gear, and foot on the brake. I turn off engine at railroad crossings if I can't see the last car in the line, and I have NEVER in 47 years of driving left a car idling while running into 7-Eleven, or other convenience store. And I have only had to replace starter motors on 1 car in all those years, and that was due to a defective batch of starters back in 1994. With modern cars, the re-start is almost instantaneous, so even shutting it off for 2 or 3 minutes saves fuel. [Edited by: rumbleseat at 5/1/2012 9:07:39 AM EST]
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,187 Points:826,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 29, 2012 6:53:31 PM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse No
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,949 Points:2,081,505 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Apr 29, 2012 4:48:20 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse I say turn it off.
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,187 Points:826,045 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2012 7:30:19 PM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse No
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,410 Points:695,260 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2012 5:27:20 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse If I'm going to be idling for more than two minutes, I'm very tempted to turn the engine off. A number of new cars are being sold that have an engine shutdown feature. Fuel savings estimates run from 3-10%. More cars to have automatic shutdowns
rick_evans Champion Author Boston Posts:3,862 Points:1,058,800 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Apr 28, 2012 1:30:40 PM Ignore rick_evans Report Abuse Your friend sell starters?
bonbNJ All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:979 Points:326,940 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 27, 2012 2:03:27 AM Ignore bonbNJ Report Abuse yes''
dflummer Rookie Author Illinois Posts:7 Points:85,925 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 6:40:01 PM Ignore dflummer Report Abuse I always turn it off when idling, not counting stop lights. Also, there is a stop light in my town where you can sit there for two minutes, so I turn it off there too.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,123 Points:37,065 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 26, 2012 8:05:54 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Years ago I ran a few tests on two carburated engine vehicles when they were fully up to summer operating temps,on a 82F degree adv. day. One was an inline 200 cu.in. 6 cyl V/S an 289 in.V/8 both low compression with economy carbs,with measured fuel..> one gal.reg.grade, octane then was a bit higher. To make this short,the V8 consummed almost 2/3 more fuel at idle only than the six cyl. Both were std manual shift 3 speeds,at start the entire..> carbs,fuel lines,fuelpump and fabricated one gal tank were initially empty.fuel usage was judged by actual run times(clock time). DIYing for fun.....
PCollen Sophomore Author Florida Posts:192 Points:48,160 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2012 4:49:02 PM Ignore PCollen Report Abuse Many German cars, starting in the early 80's, had a function built in to automatically shut off a car when stoped (at idle) and start it on again automatically when the gas pedal was depressed. In cities and densly populated areas, there were signs on poles at stop lights to "Please Turn Off Your Engine to Reduce Polution". Depending on the lenght of time at idle, it may be a 'benzine sparen' tactic, and it certainly is good in high traffic areas to reduce polution, but it's a royal PITA if you have to do it manually and continuously .
reb01501 Sophomore Author Worcester Posts:125 Points:314,775 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2012 8:22:53 AM Ignore reb01501 Report Abuse Hybrids such as my Insight automatically stop the engine while idling, except under certain conditions such as stopping on a hill. I understand more cars are going to incorporate auto-stop technology soon. I read about some Porsche models that already have it. Yes, Car Talk has addressed this question - here is a paraphrase of their response (from memory): It used to be true with carburated engines that starting the engine used a lot of gas so it was not worth stopping them at red lights. This is no longer true with EFI engines, and the extra wear-and-tear is minimal. The cut-off point where returns start to diminish is about 7 seconds, so idling longer than that absolutely does waste gas, unless you're driving an older car of course.
Susieq60 All-Star Author Columbus Posts:969 Points:128,915 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2012 7:43:24 AM Ignore Susieq60 Report Abuse I seldom use drive through windows for that reason. I do shut engine off at drive through banking windows, waiting for trains and if I have to go through drive through fast food window and there are cars ahead
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,123 Points:37,065 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Apr 25, 2012 7:27:41 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse I drive mostly 4 cyl. vehicles now,idle cost is small,also at times two V/8s are used,they use considerable more fuel at idle so I do limit them idle time. It's really about the same as watching for debris, broken glass,potholes,any objects,etc. when driving and advoiding running over these. A lot of people simply don't stay aware of these things,same as engine idle times,a friend I know never shuts off the engine after started while sitting behind the wheel.
fondupot Sophomore Author Illinois Posts:180 Points:92,280 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2012 7:33:41 AM Ignore fondupot Report Abuse Only if I know I am going to be idling for more than a few minutes. I hate idling. But its almost not worth it at stop lights.
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2012 5:49:35 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse I always shut it off.
forresj Champion Author Wilmington Posts:2,945 Points:570,955 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2012 5:40:28 AM Ignore forresj Report Abuse I'm guessing that you mean letting your car idle for 60 seconds is the same as starting your engine. Yes, it's true. Some cars, I forget which model does it, will automatically shutoff the engine if it sits idle for a predetermined time. [Edited by: forresj at 4/24/2012 8:42:36 AM EST]
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,758 Points:2,863,990 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2012 5:36:28 AM Ignore gvan Report Abuse I never shut off my engine except when I'm waiting for a long train to pass through. However, one of the fuel saving devices on newer vehicles is the automatic shutdown/restart feature when you stop. If I'm to believe the automotive writers, this will be common on most vehicles in the future.
tlhIngan_ Champion Author Calgary Posts:2,192 Points:419,260 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 9:55:01 PM Ignore tlhIngan_ Report Abuse Idling costs a little bit of gas, almost nothing compared to driving. Your RPMs are way down and the engine isn't exerting itself. Shutting the car off at a traffic light will put extra strain on your battery, alternator, starter motor, fuel pump, oil pump and water pump when you start the car back up. These will wear out a lot sooner, and the cost of replacement is way higher than any gas you would save compared to idling. The only time I shut the car off instead of idling is when I expect to be idling for several minutes, like waiting for the wife when I pick her up, or a freight train is crossing whatever road I'm on. [Edited by: tlhIngan_ at 4/24/2012 12:55:35 AM EST]
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,755 Points:785,345 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 5:42:31 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse For the most part, yes
jorobins538 Champion Author Chicago Posts:4,742 Points:643,570 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 10:54:03 AM Ignore jorobins538 Report Abuse depends - drives my wife crazy, so not when she's in the car.
10261970 All-Star Author Sacramento Posts:977 Points:265,145 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 10:20:39 AM Ignore 10261970 Report Abuse I try to turn it off when I remember too.
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 6:16:23 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse I turn it off.
cheap2010skate Champion Author Tampa Posts:3,806 Points:635,535 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 6:07:29 AM Ignore cheap2010skate Report Abuse I was at Burger King yesterday around lunchtime. A long line at the drive-through snaked through the parking lot, the cars just idling and wasting gas for a looooonnng time. I parked my car, walked in, and got my order before the folks in the drive-in lane.
JCLNC All-Star Author Greensboro Posts:907 Points:225,260 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2012 1:27:23 AM Ignore JCLNC Report Abuse I agree. Turn your car off if you have to idle too long.
ilu Rookie Author Illinois Posts:50 Points:7,165 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 5:54:15 PM Ignore ilu Report Abuse I agree. It only saves money if you have it idling for a significant amount of time.
windrifter Rookie Author KW Posts:72 Points:228,460 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 5:04:59 PM Ignore windrifter Report Abuse You don't have to turn off an electric or hybrid car when stopped. It's already off and then back on as soon as you want to go :) [Edited by: windrifter at 1/6/2012 8:06:34 PM EST]
Sipusa All-Star Author Sacramento Posts:647 Points:125,655 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 1:44:11 PM Ignore Sipusa Report Abuse I usually turn the engine off when wait time is a minute or more.
BooBooME Veteran Author Maine Posts:489 Points:108,505 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 9:53:53 AM Ignore BooBooME Report Abuse At one time the cut of was 5 min. when gas was $1.25 so I guess it is about a minute at these prices.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,755 Points:785,345 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 9:26:53 AM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Some of the time
pinbuster2005 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:5,210 Points:1,524,650 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jan 6, 2012 1:18:00 AM Ignore pinbuster2005 Report Abuse ethan777oh - instead of sitting in a long line at the drive-thru park and go inside you'll save even more gas and 9 times out 10 it's faster.
13Octane Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,147 Points:332,165 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 3:21:37 PM Ignore 13Octane Report Abuse this is a topic that never seems to go away. just do what you feel is right as there is probably no right answer.
motehab Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:114 Points:24,040 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2011 12:12:43 PM Ignore motehab Report Abuse I agree. It only saves money if you have it idling for a significant amount of time.
Ethan777OH Veteran Author Ohio Posts:270 Points:25,720 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2011 7:23:17 PM Ignore Ethan777OH Report Abuse I used to turn my car off every time I stopped somewhere or when going through a drive-thru, etc., but I found that it would just burn off more gas than when it idled. I found that putting it in park is very effective at reducing the amount of gas wasted... at least with most vehicles. My car can sit forever in park and barely burns off any gas, but driving just a few blocks around town can be ridiculous on the amount of gas consumed, especially when I have to stop for stop signs and red lights everywhere. A trick for getting around that, though, is shifting to park for red lights, especially time-consuming ones, as well as doing this when waiting at a stop sign when traffic is backed up, going through long lines at the drive thru, etc. Turning your car on and off constantly not only burns more gas than necessary, but it can also wear down parts on your car faster, costing you more in repairs and maintenance.
stkits Veteran Author Hamilton Posts:432 Points:183,525 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2011 6:59:10 PM Ignore stkits Report Abuse How about shifting to neutral instead when you know you may idle for 1 minute or more. I don't think this would have any impact on the transmission over time.
masfast1 Champion Author Fresno Posts:4,216 Points:850,850 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2011 3:45:18 PM Ignore masfast1 Report Abuse at r/r crossings, i usually wait it out idling, lasts a couple of minutes at most.
eye144144 Veteran Author Philadelphia Posts:345 Points:77,080 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2011 7:31:35 AM Ignore eye144144 Report Abuse new buick lacrosse and ford hybrids turn off for you at a stop.
BUSSY Champion Author Dallas Posts:10,045 Points:1,565,190 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2011 6:14:12 AM Ignore BUSSY Report Abuse The wear and tear on your starter and battery would offset any monetary savings ,if any ,you would acheive.
pinbuster2005 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:5,210 Points:1,524,650 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2011 2:48:08 AM Ignore pinbuster2005 Report Abuse I don't agree with turning it off at every red light. The times where idling is wasteful is when people need to let it run for 15-20 min before they go to work and when they leave work to get the interior to the temp they like. For some people that doesn't matter if it's summer or winter. They will do the same thing to either let the heater warm it up or the A/C cool it off. Another one is when people let it idle while they are in the store getting their coffee or paper. In that couple of min the interior of the automobile isn't going to change temp that much. I've even seen people do this while they are in the store doing their weeks shopping. Another one is people using the drive-thru at the bank or fast food place. 9 times out of 10 I can pull in right behind someone that goes to the drive thru at the bank while I park and go inside and i'm driving past them on my way out of the parking lot while they are still waiting in line at the drive thru idling away. I can see turning your engine off at a railroad crossing when a train is going through, your stuck in construction traffic, if there was an accident and you have to wait awhile, or the things I metioned earlier. But I don't see it at every red light because most of the time they aren't long enough.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,755 Points:785,345 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 16, 2011 8:13:00 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Yes for sure
Tiernan Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,620 Points:847,525 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 16, 2011 7:05:02 PM Ignore Tiernan Report Abuse Have tried to test/idle at a turn light for several days this week, but they really dont seem to be long enough (2 minutes?) to help the mileage much, and the wear and tear, nevermind the time to restart and take off when the light turns - just a little too complicated, and not helpful enough, mileage-wise.
RiverwoodsRd Rookie Author Washington Posts:32 Points:329,070 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 8:37:59 AM Ignore RiverwoodsRd Report Abuse I idle most in traffic, not much I can do about that.
WEPSMAN Champion Author South Dakota Posts:10,609 Points:2,049,025 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jun 14, 2011 6:40:24 AM Ignore WEPSMAN Report Abuse Might save sone on gas, but you are going to wear your starter faster. Replacing a starter will cost more than what you would save on gas.
fredjara All-Star Author California Posts:595 Points:123,415 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2011 6:32:45 PM Ignore fredjara Report Abuse I do. Went from about 17.4 MPG to 19.9. I'm doing it just because. Those posters who shared concerns about wear and tear on the starter, etc., have a valid point. Don't know if I'll continue the practice after my non scientific experiments are done.
missbridge Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,817 Points:735,785 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 13, 2011 4:38:50 PM Ignore missbridge Report Abuse Yes, Yes, Yes I love ideling at the bank, the Burger King, The Beer BArn, even the Chicas & Beer
Bodiney Champion Author Detroit Posts:1,006 Points:196,050 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 6:05:54 PM Ignore Bodiney Report Abuse I think if your idling less than a minute, keep it running. If you have a MPG monitor watch your mileage go down as you sit there.
Aniche Rookie Author Dallas Posts:75 Points:275,500 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 7:55:00 AM Ignore Aniche Report Abuse Yes.. this saves a lot of fuel
missbridge Champion Author Dallas Posts:3,817 Points:735,785 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 7:35:29 AM Ignore missbridge Report Abuse always a fun one to consider is the over reliance on drive through. Seems to have a queue of cars just idling away .
jdragon21 All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:854 Points:506,670 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 7:31:00 AM Ignore jdragon21 Report Abuse true
68ShelbyMan Champion Author Houston Posts:4,012 Points:652,185 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 6:15:06 AM Ignore 68ShelbyMan Report Abuse I'm thinking wear & tear of the engine/electrical components are greater than a very small amount of gas consumed.
Dennis783 Champion Author Des Moines Posts:13,735 Points:2,730,835 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 11, 2011 6:14:19 AM Ignore Dennis783 Report Abuse I don't turn it off