Engine Idling:bad or good or what?
 

How long is too long?

Is it bad? Not as bad as it sounds?

I'd just like to know.

Mike McKinney

Supposedly, if you idle more than 3 minutes, you should turn your car off. Also, if your call is idling a lot in traffic, then it needs oil changes more often.
Also, I have heard that it is good to put the trans in neutral if you are stopping for more than a minute, as this gives the trans a little rest. I do this.

On the other hand, owners of older diesels who live in northern regions have been known to leave them running all night, like truck drivers, to avoid starting problems the next morning when away from a garage/outlet for block heater.