Torque Shop: Idling engine causes engine wear

Idling can contribute to incomplete fuel combustion, leaving residues behind which can damage the exhaust system. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Other than to stop at a traffic junction, keeping a vehicle's engine idling under any other circumstances is illegal. There were 2,800 cases of idling engine offences in 2019, 3,200 in 2018 and 6,400 in 2016.

Since 2016, motorists caught leaving their vehicle engines idling for a second or subsequent time face a fine of $100, up from the previous $70. If the sum is not paid, the errant motorist is liable to a maximum court fine of $5,000.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.