I have a side job where I deliver packages. Each shift takes about 3 to 4 hours. I’m just curious, is it better for my car to keep it running for the whole time? even though it would be idling about 50% of the time or is it better for the engine to turn it off and on again for each delivery (approximately 30 to 40 times per shift)?
To answer your question, let’s consider the pros and cons of both options:
Keeping the car running for 3 hours:
Pros:
- Reduces wear on the starter motor and battery
- Maintains a consistent engine temperature
- Convenient, as you don’t need to restart the car each time
Cons:
- Wastes fuel during idle time (about 40% of your shift)
- Increases unnecessary emissions
May violate local anti-idling laws in some areas - Puts some extra wear on the engine due to prolonged running time
Turning the car off and on for each delivery (about 30 times per shift):
Pros:
- Saves fuel during idle times
- Reduces emissions
- Complies with anti-idling laws where applicable
Cons:
- Increases wear on the starter motor and battery
- More frequent temperature fluctuations in the engine
- Slightly less convenient
In general, modern cars are designed to handle frequent starts without significant issues. The fuel savings and reduced emissions from turning off your engine during idle times typically outweigh the minimal extra wear on the starter and battery.
Therefore, it’s generally better for both your car and the environment to turn off your engine when you’re not driving, especially for stops lasting more than 10 seconds. This practice is known as “stop-start driving” and is even automated in many newer vehicles.
However, if you’re in extremely hot or cold weather conditions where you need to maintain a comfortable temperature in the vehicle, or if you’re making extremely short stops (less than 10 seconds), it might be more practical to keep the engine running.
If you’re concerned about the wear on your starter and battery, you could consider a compromise: turn off the engine for longer stops (e.g., more than 2-3 minutes) and keep it running for very short stops.
Remember to consult your car’s manual for any specific recommendations from the manufacturer regarding this issue.