Random gas mileage question

[Bob Loblaw]

so during the school year, I work a couple of days off duty as a courier for the bank. I take the empty cash bags to some selected schools in the district and they give me the bags full of money. Anyway, I was wondering what's better from a gas mileage standpoint: leave my car running the entire time or shut it off at each stop and re-start the engine when I get in to hit the next school. The total route is approx. 30 miles with 15 stops along the way. It typically takes me about 1hr to 1hr 20 minutes total from start to finish. All of the route takes place in the city with speed limits between 35 and 45 mph.

Discuss.

[MacLean]

There was a study about this...

The conclusion was that it saves a small amount of gas to turn it off, but increases wear.

[Five-0]

If you are driving a diesel I would say leave it running. If you are driving a gasoline engine then shut it off. If I were you I would invest in a set of underdrive pullies if they are available for your vehicle. They cut down on parasitic lose from AC and water pump ect. Here is the ones for my POV:

http://www.texas-speed.com/shop/item...id=39&catid=16

[2 Blue 4 U]

Not sure about the gas savings, but if you leave your car unattended you may come back to no car! Might have a student take it for a joy ride. LOL!!