Running the Vehicle While Parked

It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

WARNING!
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation.
For more information, see Engine Exhaust.

WARNING!
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move.

See Shifting Into Park.

If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

    See also:

    Weight of the Trailer
    How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can ...

    Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
    WARNING! Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h (100 mph) or higher, puts an additional strain on tires. Sustained high-speed driving causes excessive heat buildup and can cause sudden tire failur ...

    Maintenance Schedule
    Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Stop - Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil. Once a Month - Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire Pressure. - Inspect the tires fo ...