It’s the car, not the driver, turning the engine off and on

QI walk a lot for exercise, especially during this pandemic. I will see a car waiting at a stop signal and then, when the traffic light goes green, the car sounds like the engine is starting again. Is this something new with modern vehicles? My Civic is 11 years old — yep, I am a Luddite. Or is there an urban myth out there that it is better to turn off your engine rather than have it idle during stops? I’ve always believed turning your engine off and on isn’t particularly good in terms of getting the maximum miles per gallon.

— Alan Cawi, Lake Forest

AHonk’s many talents do not include any under the hood of a car. Dave Skaien, Auto Club’s Approved Auto Repair manager, not only knows such stuff but also explains it well.

So Honk will step aside and let him provide the info he sent along via email:

“Many newer cars have automated ‘start-stop’ technology. This is typically related to — but not always — the hybrid-drive systems like (with) the Prius.

“For cars with this feature, there aren’t any issues or concerns with letting the car and its computer systems determine when, and if, to invoke the process.

“For cars without this feature, motorists should not shut them off for short periods since these vehicles and their starters and charging systems were not designed for repeated engine on-and-off cycling.

“They should follow the decades-long process of allowing them to idle in gear if it’s an automatic transmission or putting the transmission in neutral if it’s a manual gearbox.

“If the vehicle is equipped with a hold feature, usage of this feature, while waiting at stop lights or in drive-thru lines will make it a little easier on your foot while waiting.”

QWhat’s up with the Krails on the 133 between the 405 Freeway and the 73 Freeway? They’re blocking the shoulder for miles while nothing seems to be happening. Be well!

— Ben Graboske, Laguna Beach

AThanks, Ben — you, too. Caltrans is putting in concrete barriers and metal railing in that south Orange County stretch that will remind you of what is along some freeways. Construction began on the $10.3 million project in August and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Workers, making the improvements between the 73 and 241 toll roads, did take a break at one point.

Going southwest from the 405, the 133 Freeway turns into Laguna Canyon Road and then Broadway Street to finally reach Main Beach, one of Honk’s favorite spins.

“This is an upgrade to some of the traffic safety devices already installed and an installation of more,” Darcy Birden, a spokeswoman for Caltrans in Orange County, told Honk in an email.

“The K-rail will be moved as the contractor finishes each location,” she said. “They started by the 73 and will be making their way north towards the 241, moving the K-rails as they go.”

By the way, K-rails are those concrete barriers that are along many freeways and elsewhere, wider at the base than at the top. You have seen them. In theory, they are temporary, but they seem to sometimes stick around for years and years.

To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/ tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk