Guys,

I was wondering if it's neccessary to let your car idle for a few mintes before shutting it down after driving hard. Or is it that as long as your temperature gauge isn't exceeding say.....100 C, then it's safe to shut down. Does hits practice prolong the life of the engine? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

P.S.
Also, Do any of you guys know of a wrecking yard for Mercedes Benz in the Bay Area? ( SF, Oakland, or San Jose)

I gather that the practice of allowing an engine to idle for a few minutes before shutting it off is necessary only with turbocharged engines. The purpose is either to let the turbo spin down while it is lubricated or to cool down gradually from its super hot operating temperatures. I don't think it is necessary with a normally aspirated engine. Might be wrong.

Its really not necessary unless, like Jonathan said, its good for turbo engines. Even so, turbo engines do have their own cut-off timing, something like a minute after switching off the engine.

Our previous company SUV, a diesel turbo engine, had this cut-off feature.

Great! Thanks for the tip. I guess I won't have to waste gas idling anymore.


-Happy Driving,
vutown