Severe operating conditions

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Originally Posted by Allan023

Why are "engine idling for a long period" or "short-distance travel" considered as Severe Operating Conditions? All others related to "more stress". I don't see how these 2 can cause more stress to the engine? thanks :)

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I wont go all tech on you like them, mas alam nila yan. But cars are built to move and not stop and go all day everyday for 2-4 hrs or more. Its the same as abuse/misuse ng kotse.

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For one thing, idling dumps more unburned fuel into the oil passing through the rings. This dilutes the oil, changing its viscosity and use up the additive package. That's why excessive idling requires you to change oil more often.

Another is emissions. The catalytic converter needs to be glowing hot before it can do its work. Idling means the cat may not reach operating temp and your car ends up spewing more toxins that it does when it's running on the highway.

In my case, every 5am, I drive to the bus stop 2 kms from our house and stop the engine for 5-10 mins then go back home. Then 2.5 hours later I go to work 8 kms away and back home at pm. 4 cold starts a day, 5 days a week. Eto na ata ang severest to the maximum effect of severity condition. :belat:

Question lang, would it be better if I don't turn off the engine when I drive to the bus stop in the morning?

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Originally Posted by papi smith

In my case, every 5am, I drive to the bus stop 2 kms from our house and stop the engine for 5-10 mins then go back home. Then 2.5 hours later I go to work 8 kms away and back home at pm. 4 cold starts a day, 5 days a week. Eto na ata ang severest to the maximum effect of severity condition. :belat:

Question lang, would it be better if I don't turn off the engine when I drive to the bus stop in the morning?

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If you are idling any longer than half a minute more or less, shut off.

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Originally Posted by vinj

If you are idling any longer than half a minute more or less, shut off.

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That's a bit OA, IMO. Maybe if your vehicle is designed for it (Start-Stop). Otherwise, 30 seconds (+/- a few) is too short. Maybe 3-5 minutes, and only if your vehicle is parked.

You don't want to do it while in bumper-to-bumper traffic or else, you'll be shutting down and starting the engine 20-30 times per trip.

And drastically shorten the starter motor and battery service life

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Originally Posted by oj88

That's a bit OA, IMO. Maybe if your vehicle is designed for it (Start-Stop). Otherwise, 30 seconds (+/- a few) is too short. Maybe 3-5 minutes, and only if your vehicle is parked.

You don't want to do it while in bumper-to-bumper traffic or else, you'll be shutting down and starting the engine 20-30 times per trip.

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Just to clarify, this is consideration or in context to the question posted where he is idling and sure to be stationary for several minutes at the bus stop. Not when one is in transit (stop-and-go traffic) or unsure on how long he can stop the vehicle for a short period.

My car is on severe operating conditions then since I rarely travel beyond 10 kms. I have daily less than 500 metre trips. It's no wonder I changed my battery only after 2 years :(

I guess winter driving counts. I spent 6 winters in New York which lasted 6 months of the year. I had to start up our cars and leave them running for 10-15 minutes until the engine warmed up and the heater had warm air flowing. That had to be done first before going to work and then again before going home.

Usually, I started up the car and left it idling while I went back inside the house and had breakfast.

At -40F/-40C and colder? Forget it. The ignition won't even turn.

Driving everyday in Metro Manila (unless it's during the wee hours of the morning) constitutes a severe driving condition: Dusty/polluted environment, excessive idling, stop-and-go traffic, elevated temperature, etc.