How to turn on/off car engine safely
To ensure safety while driving, drivers need to pay attention to basic principles, including turning the engine on/off.
How to turn on/off a car engine correctly and safely
Choose the most comfortable driving position: Setting the driving position for comfort and adjusting the posture properly is important to increase driving safety and avoid traffic violations.
For manual transmission vehicles, drivers need to perform the following steps:
Depress the clutch with your left foot.
Brake with your right foot.
Set the gear lever to position N (Neutral).
Turn the key or press the start button to start the engine.
For automatic transmission vehicles, drivers need to perform the following steps:
Make sure the gear shift is in the "P" (Parking) position.
Brake with your right foot.
Turn the key or press the start button to start the engine.
Notes during vehicle starting process
With a mechanical lock, the driver needs to perform the following steps to start the vehicle:
Use the key to rotate through two stops before pushing into the final stop to start the vehicle.
Use your hand to hold the key in place while the vehicle is starting.
Maintain the key holder in the final position until you notice the engine running, then release the key.
Avoid keeping the key turned for too long after the engine has started to avoid damaging the starter.
With a car with a push-button start, starting the car is much simpler than with a mechanical lock. The driver needs to perform the following steps:
Step on the brakes to ensure safety.
Press the start button to start the car.
The vehicle will be started by an electronic signal from the vehicle's electronic system.
For the latest car models, car manufacturers have improved safety features and require a series of conditions to start the engine. This helps reduce the risk of starting the car. However, the following should still be noted:
For manual transmission vehicles: During starting, make sure that the gear lever is in the correct position, especially not in 1st gear. At the same time, the clutch pedal must also be fully depressed. This helps to avoid unexpected situations and maintain control of the vehicle.
For older vehicles, especially manual transmission vehicles: It is very important to ensure that the gear lever is in the correct position and that the clutch pedal is fully depressed. If the driver turns on the engine while the gear lever is in the correct position, especially 1st gear, and the clutch pedal is not fully depressed, the vehicle can move quickly and uncontrollably, posing a danger to everyone around.
How long does it take for the engine to start before it can roll?
When the vehicle has been turned off for a long time, especially overnight, the engine needs to be "warmed up" before starting and driving. This helps ensure the engine operates at its best and avoids unnecessary damage problems. When the engine is warmed up, enough engine oil will be pumped into the combustion chamber and help increase lubrication and protect important parts.
The time required for a proper engine warm-up is usually about 30 - 40 seconds under normal weather conditions. If the temperature is very low, the warm-up time may be longer. Most modern cars are designed to automatically increase the engine speed to a high level (about 2,000 rpm) if the engine is not hot enough and after a short time, the engine will return to normal operation at a speed below 1,000 rpm. At this point, you can start and roll the car normally.
When the vehicle is only stopped and turned off for short periods during the day, warming up the engine before driving is not necessary.
At the same time, it is not recommended to start the engine for too long. When the vehicle is idling and the engine does not reach full operating temperature, it is possible that acids and moisture will not evaporate completely, condensing on the cylinder surface and causing engine corrosion. This can affect the performance and life of the engine.
Turn off the engine properly
Turning off the air conditioner a few minutes before the end of the trip can help the body gradually get used to the outside temperature and avoid heat shock. In addition, turning off the air conditioner and running the fan at the end of the trip can help dry the air vents, prevent moisture accumulation and mold formation that causes unpleasant odors. At the same time, turning off the air conditioner before the end of the trip can also help save fuel.
When parking and ending a trip, some manuals recommend letting the engine idle for about 30 seconds before turning it off completely. This is especially important for vehicles equipped with a turbocharger. During long journeys, some parts of the engine, such as the turbocharger, can get hotter than others. When the engine is turned off immediately, the oil flow in the engine stops, causing hot oil to collect in the turbocharger parts. This can cause the oil to break down and reduce its lubricating properties.
Allowing the engine to idle before shutting it down allows the oil to be distributed evenly throughout the engine and helps reduce oil degradation. However, note that specific times and instructions may vary depending on the vehicle and manufacturer. Consult your owner's manual and manufacturer's information for proper handling and care of your vehicle's engine.
