Myth: Restarting the Car Wastes More Fuel Than Idling
We’ve all been told to leave the car running for a quick stop because “starting it up takes a huge gulp of gas.” While this was true for older cars with carburetors, it is completely false for modern fuel-injected engines. Today’s computers are so precise that they use a negligible amount of fuel to fire up the cylinders. In fact, idling for more than 30 seconds usually consumes more fuel than a quick restart.
This realization is exactly why many new cars come with automatic start-stop systems. If you’re waiting in a parking lot or a long drive-thru line, turning the engine off is the smarter move for your wallet. It saves fuel, reduces emissions, and prevents unnecessary wear on your engine’s internal components.
