Idle before turn off or not?

[Ramathorn]

I was just wondering if anyone lets their car idle before they turn it off and if so how long? I know on turbo cars its almost always a good idea but, on aircooled cars is it a good idea or just a waste?

[Kidasters]

I do all the time. Gives me a chance to check the oil and make sure the alternator is outputting the correct voltage.

[Oh Haha]

It won't hurt anything but it isn't necessary, IMO.

Mine idles whilst waiting for the garage door to fully open so I guess I do it, too.

[Dantilla]

Unless I'm going to check the oil, no reason to let it idle.

[porsche930dude]

i do for just 5 or 10 seconds so its kinda settled down and not dumping unburnt fuel into the works

[nesslar]

Give it a few seconds, let the oil "go home", lessens the chance of some smoke next start.

[NOLAsc]

Originally Posted by nesslar

Give it a few seconds, let the oil "go home", lessens the chance of some smoke next start.

That's what I always heard. So that's what I generally do. No science to back it up though.

[80-911SC]

i usually do as others and use it as a chance to check the oil level ......

Steve

[s_morrison57]

I always drive slow for the last mile or so going home and then let the car idle for at least 30 seconds before I shut the 930 off. I also always turn off all accerory's before shutting down, AC is a huge drag, that alone will help cooling the car down

[JJ 911SC]

Always... About a minute to take an oil reading

[sc_rufctr]

It doesn't hurt anything except fuel consumption. After a bit of spirited driving then it's probably a good idea
but if you've been driving in traffic to get home then I wouldn't bother.

More importantly I let her warm up a bit before driving off in the morning.

First thing in the morning I start her gently and slowly back her out of the garage then let her idle for about 90 seconds.
That gives me long enough to close the garage door and do a quick visual check of the outside of the car.

I don't have an auto door opener and don't plan on getting one.

I've always let my air cooled engines warm up a bit before driving. If you have carbs then some old timers will tell you to disable the choke.
All a choke does is inject raw fuel into the combustion chamber and that washes away any oil on the cylinder walls.
Also if the thing gets stuck you'll be running super rich and this can destroy your engine in a very short time.

[Tsunamiboy]

I do the same as s-morrison57. The last mile before arriving home is my cool down lap. I shut down all non essential electronics and slow it down, the neighbors appreciate the civility as I pass as well.

I leave it running while checking oil and do a quick walk around then shut it down. It's a moment of intimacy just me and the beast