Why Car Engines Are Never Turned Off In These Places: Conventionally, we turn off the engine and lock the car after parking. However, in some parts of the world, people defy these norms in ways that may seem bizarre to others. In some of the coldest places on Earth, car engines are left running even when parked to prevent them from freezing.
This unusual practice is common in regions where winter temperatures plummet to extremes, often dipping below -20°C. Countries like Siberia, Alaska, Northern Canada, and Yakutsk in Russia’s Sakha Republic are prime examples where cars are kept running even after parking. And this is because, once the car engine is turned off, and is frozen, it becomes extremely difficult to restart again leading to much higher expenses than the fuel burnt while letting it on.
Why This ‘Bizarre’ Is Necessary
Fuel Economy Trade-Off: While it burns fuel, this is often seen as a necessary cost in these harsh climates. Stalling or breaking down in extreme cold can result in much higher expenses or risks. Keeping the engine on uses a minimal amount of fuel to maintain internal combustion.
Prevents Engine From Freezing: In extreme cold, engine oil and coolant can thicken, making it difficult or even impossible to restart the vehicle. Keeping the engine running maintains warmth and prevents freezing.
Battery Protection: Low temperatures can drastically reduce a car battery’s efficiency. Leaving the engine on keeps the battery charged and functional.
Safety and Convenience: In remote areas, a stalled or non-starting car could be life-threatening, especially if no immediate help is available. Keeping the car running ensures it’s always ready to move.
To mitigate the environmental impact of this practice, block heaters and insulated engine blankets are often used to keep engines warm without idling. However, in some rural or off-grid locations, running the engine remains the most reliable option.
Videos Trending On Social Media
As winter approaches, videos from these areas, where people are trying methods to keep their cars ‘warm’ and engines ‘safe,’ are surfacing online. The videos have invited mixed reactions from netizens, with some expressing a desire to visit these places.
Some of the most trending videos come from Yakutia, a region in the northeastern part of Siberia. Known as one of the coldest places on Earth, Yakutia experiences temperatures that can plummet to an astonishing −64.4 °C.
Also Read: Car Drive: Snowy Roads Ahead? Here Are The TIPS To Master Driving On THESE Roads
