Does Idling a Car for 1 Hour Cause Damage?
2 Answers
Generally, idling a car for 1 hour does not cause damage. Engine Idling: Engine idling refers to maintaining operation at the minimum speed when the engine is completely unloaded, in neutral gear, and without pressing the accelerator. When a car starts cold, the instantaneous idle speed will be relatively high, stabilizing once the shaking stops. Effects of Idling for Over an Hour: The direct impact of idling for over an hour is increased fuel consumption, with the indirect effect being increased carbon buildup. Most cars consume no more than 1 liter of fuel per hour while idling, with specific consumption depending on the car's displacement. Short periods of idling won't cause severe carbon buildup, as some carbon buildup is unavoidable. However, if a car idles continuously for two to three hours or more on a regular basis, the impact on the car can be more significant.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've seen many car owners suffer losses due to prolonged idling. Keeping the engine running for an hour without moving definitely harms the car, especially older models. Extended idling increases carbon buildup, as the engine runs at high temperature without load, leading to incomplete fuel combustion and deposit accumulation, which shortens engine lifespan. It's also fuel-inefficient, burning over a liter of gas per hour – a real waste of money. Worse yet, the battery may not charge sufficiently during idling, particularly in cold weather when the AC drains more power. My old Jeep required multiple intake carbon cleanings in its third year because I frequently idled while waiting to pick up kids. I recommend avoiding this practice – turning off the engine for 10-minute waits is fine, and setting phone reminders helps remember to shut down promptly.
