Frequent ignition

[Jarwulf]

I have a 99 4 cylinder camry.

Lately I've been doing a lot of stops on road trips starting the engine stopping the engine and starting the engine over and over.

I'm wondering what sort of damage this could do if any and suggestions to prevent the damage or mitigate it. I went to the dealer to ask and the guy at the parts station claimed it would damage different parts of the ignition system. Then I talked to a service guy and he said it would damage the engine but didn't think it would do anything to the ignition system.

The only solution I could think of is locking the car with the engine running while I quickly make my stop. But the car I have doesn't allow the doors to be locked while it is running and to modify it seems expensive. Any alternative better suggestions are welcome.

[fenixus]

unless you keep restarting the engine every minute or so I would say the dealer is bull shitting you.
what kind of damage? if engine is already warm when you restart it then there is no damage to any internals as everything is already well lubricated.

any increased wear may include ignition cylinder and starter, but I would NOT worry about it for next few years or so.

[pmesfun]

Make a copy of the key, close all doors first, then you can lock them.