Unattended Idling Car...Any Danger?

[Pattaya Spotter 3,048]

I often keep my unattended car idling while running into Sevens to pick up something I need or to keep the cool while I'm doing an errand or having a restaurant meal. It is a late model car with an immobilizer system and electronic push start system. The driver side door can not be locked while the engine is on and the car unattended. Is there any theft danger in this situation (of the car)...what happens if someone gets in and tries to drive off with it? Since they don't have the key fob, will the engine just cut-off or is it impossible to shift out of "park-brake lock" if the key fob isn't present? Obviously, if they can at least drive it to one shut-off, they would not be able to start it again, correct?

[Golden Triangle 5,798]

If you have a car as you describe above just park it at your residence in idling as in the scenario above and ask a trusted friend or family member to drive it away and see what happens.

 

Or are you thinking of getting one like you have described.

 

Sorry just re read your post, try my first option

Edited January 16 by Golden Triangle

[canthai55 4,964]

Take the key fob out of your pocket, get in, try to drive away.

It ain't rocket science

[Peterw42 13,651]

OP, they are all things you could check yourself

All the variables you mention could easily be tested by having a friend hold the fob and you try to drive away. I imagine the results could vary between different car makes and models, and in some instances may even be programable or operate differently if child lock is active etc.

[Crossy 27,801]

28 minutes ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

Obviously, if they can at least drive it to one shut-off, they would not be able to start it again, correct?

 

Yes, ours works like that, you can get an awful long way before having to turn off the engine.

 

The question is of course, why would you leave it running, it takes moments to cool down again on re-entering?

 

[ballpoint 16,805]

Having a car shut down automatically when it goes out of range of the key fob is potentially dangerous, so most cars will continue to be drivable until they run out of fuel.  If the driver turns off the engine though, they won't be able to start it again.

 

 

[Lacessit 23,332]

Obviously the OP does not care about how much air pollution he causes by leaving a car idling while he attends to his needs. Running into a 7/11 may be OK for a couple of minutes, but having a restaurant meal? Spare me.

[Pattaya Spotter 3,048]

1 hour ago, canthai55 said:

Take the key fob out of your pocket, get in, try to drive away.

It ain't rocket science

You are right...I thought someone might already know. I could also probably just Google/YouTube it.

Edited January 16 by Pattaya Spotter

[Pattaya Spotter 3,048]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

 

Yes, ours works like that, you can get an awful long way before having to turn off the engine.

 

The question is of course, why would you leave it running, it takes moments to cool down again on re-entering?

 

I only leave it running if it has to be parked in the blazing sun...and not at crowded public areas. Examples like dashing into Seven or Amazon, while gassing up and going into the mini-mart (yes service stations let you keep it running during fill-ups (most)), or in a secure parking area. I wouldn't leave it on if the errand or meal was going to be longer than 30 minutes. Yes, my air-con is very efficient and even though a black color, cools down the car interior within a few minutes.

Edited January 16 by Pattaya Spotter

[Susco 5,769]

2 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

The driver side door can not be locked while the engine is on and the car unattended. Is there any theft danger in this situation (of the car).

 

 

Let me know where and when next time, I'll put it to the test for you.

 

What was the make and license plate again?

[Pattaya Spotter 3,048]

1 hour ago, Peterw42 said:

OP, they are all things you could check yourself

All the variables you mention could easily be tested by having a friend hold the fob and you try to drive away. I imagine the results could vary between different car makes and models, and in some instances may even be programable or operate differently if child lock is active etc.

My Sunday project tomorrow...will report back.

[PGSan 374]

18 minutes ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

So I take it you are against any car with remote engine start technology,

What is this technology? 

[JAS21 2,748]

1 minute ago, PGSan said:

What is this technology? 

It means that you can start your engine when you are not in the car. Just press a button on your remote IF your car is equipped with that facility.....

 

Google will give you a full rundown on the system if you look...

[CharlieH 29,687]

Well once upon a time, the driver got out at a family members home, went inside, left us in the car with the air con on etc. She got may be 30ft away and an alarm went off in the car, she continued into the house and the car stopped. She had the fob in her pocket.

 

The danger in your scenario, is what happens to the car/driver and anyone around it when it cuts out and the driver has no control and limited braking/steering ability. Dangerous situation if in a city centre I suggest.

[VocalNeal 7,412]

I was driving a mates Camry Hybrid. In traffic he got out for a pee in nearby bushes. As agreed I drove about 1km to a U turn and picked him up on the way back. He had the fob in his pocket and nothing happed. I was waiting for it but....nothing happend.

Edited January 16 by VocalNeal