is it better to leave the engine running or switch off if you have to wait for someone?

[joko]

as above really

does it use up petrol? or does the action of starting it up again cancel out what you may save by swtching it off?

thanks

[chas2008]

really depends on how long, but there are vehicles out there now which turn of automaticaly when stationary and restart when the throttles pushed or clutch depressed, the reasoning behind it is to save fuel.

Confuses the wotsits out of you when you drive one for the first time (mini was my first ) and not being told before you get behind the wheel.I thought i kept stalling it when pulling up which didnt make sense on a new vehicle then everytime i put it into gear to start it the engine fired up on its own...real odd.

[ummmm]

Turn it off because it's bloody annoying. I wake up every morning at 6am to a transit ticking over waiting for my boyfriend. I have threatened to go out and punch the driver!!

[cazzz1975]

I would always switch off, most of the damage on start up is the drain to the battery which would take about a 3rd of a mile to recharge.

[craft1948]

my Smart car does that chas......first time I drove one I panicked but it's quite clever.......take foot off brake and engine starts again which is classed as eco friendly....

[Panic Button]

Depends if you want heat.

[lankeela]

I hired a car for a long journey as mine had been cutting out - imagine my delight to find the hire car kept cutting out - till I realised it must be made to do that.

[Fairie]

Haha, i have never drove a car that does this, but i am guessing i would be very confused,.

Saving petrol - depends how long you are going to be stationary. I have been told that if you are going to be stationary for 3 minutes it is wiser to turn the engine off as it uses same fuel to start an engine as it does to tick for 3 mins.

Not sure how this works if the new green cars switch off alt he time, i thought they only did it if non moving for a while, such as in a traffic jam.