the engine ticks over

Examples (10)

• I kept the engine ticking over while waiting for my friend.
• The mechanic left the engine ticking over to check the idle speed.
• She sat in the car with the engine ticking over during the phone call.
• The taxi driver kept his engine ticking over outside the hotel.
• You can hear the engine ticking over smoothly after the service.
• The delivery van's engine was ticking over while he unloaded packages.
• Make sure the engine is ticking over properly before you drive off.
• The old car's engine barely ticks over on cold mornings.
• He adjusted the carburetor until the engine was ticking over evenly.
• The instructor told students to keep the engine ticking over during the lesson.