How Long Can I Turn On the Car Engine?

Factors to Consider

The amount of time you can safely leave your car engine running depends on a number of factors, including:

The type of car. Newer cars are generally more fuel-efficient and have better emissions control systems than older cars, so they can run for longer periods of time without causing damage.
The condition of the car. A well-maintained car with a healthy engine will be able to run for longer periods of time than a car that is in poor condition.
The weather conditions. Running the engine in cold weather can put more strain on the engine and battery, so it is not advisable to leave the engine running for long periods of time in these conditions.
The purpose of running the engine. If you are running the engine to keep the car warm, you can do so for a shorter period of time than if you are running the engine to charge the battery or power accessories.

General Guidelines

As a general rule, it is not advisable to leave your car engine running for more than 10 minutes at a time. This is especially true if the car is parked in an enclosed space, such as a garage, as the exhaust fumes can build up and become dangerous.

If you need to run the engine for longer than 10 minutes, it is important to take steps to minimize the potential risks. These steps include:

Park the car in a well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent the exhaust fumes from building up.
Open the windows slightly. This will help to circulate the air and prevent the exhaust fumes from becoming concentrated.
Monitor the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges. If either of these gauges starts to read high, it is important to stop the engine and allow it to cool down.

Conclusion

Leaving your car engine running for long periods of time can damage the engine and increase the risk of fire or other accidents. It is important to be aware of the factors that can affect how long you can safely leave the engine running and to take steps to minimize the potential risks.