Can I Leave My Car When the Engine Is Running?

It’s Generally Not Advisable

In general, it’s not advisable to leave your car when the engine is running. There are several reasons for this:

Theft. Leaving your car running unattended is an invitation for theft. Even if you lock the doors, a thief could break a window or use a slim jim to unlock the door.
Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is produced by car engines. If you leave your car running in a closed space, such as a garage, the carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels.
Fire. If there is a leak in your car’s fuel system, leaving the engine running could cause a fire.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to the general rule that you shouldn’t leave your car running unattended. These include:

When you’re warming up your car on a cold day. It’s okay to leave your car running for a few minutes to warm it up on a cold day. However, you should never leave your car running unattended in a closed space, such as a garage.
When you’re stuck in traffic. If you’re stuck in traffic, it’s okay to leave your car running for a short period of time. However, you should never leave your car running unattended for an extended period of time.

Tips for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended

If you must leave your car running unattended, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of theft, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire:

Park your car in a well-lit area. This will make it less likely for a thief to target your car.
Lock all the doors and windows. This will make it more difficult for a thief to break into your car.
Roll down the windows slightly. This will help to prevent carbon monoxide from building up inside the car.
Never leave your car running in a closed space. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire.

Conclusion

It’s generally not advisable to leave your car running unattended. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you must leave your car running unattended, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of theft, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire.