Well, look at hybrids. The engines are constantly cycling on and off 100s of times per drive and they have been proven to be highly reliable. Thankfully, all the cars equipped with the start/stop feature provide a switch to turn that option on or off so you don't need to use it (thank God).

When gas hits $10/gal, like in Europe, and your smothered in smog to boot, you might like that automatic feature. I believe in some cities in Europe it's the law to turn your engine off while sitting at a red light.

I have been stationed in Germany the past 4 years and I have never heard about that law? Even though it seams like it would be right up there ally, along with all the other stupid laws they make! HAHA!

:eek: :iagree:

I heard from somebody who isnt an expert that starting your car burns the same amount of fuel as idling for 7 minutes. True or false?

any pics of the poor Z?

Nope, not able to get pics, but sure would like to know who it was and if they're ok...

true

Guess we'll never know...

10-second rule: Get 30 More Miles Per Tank: Turn Off Engine If Idling More Than 10 Seconds - The Consumerist -- I've heard about this 10-second rule on Car Talk also.

If idling more than 10 seconds, turn it off. With fuel-injected engines, it's not a big deal to turn it off and turn it on again. It's different with older cars.

They also mention a Swiss law (it's up to the city) in this article about turning your car off at a light.