Does idling a car for 8 hours without turning it off damage the vehicle?

[StMartin]

Idling a car for 8 hours without turning it off only has a minor impact. Here are the specific details about idling a car without turning it off: 1. Reason: If a car is left idling for more than an hour while parked, fuel consumption will increase. Even though the car isn't moving, fuel is still being consumed. Although the engine speed is below 1000 RPM, fuel consumption still occurs. Depending on the vehicle, fuel consumption may increase by 5% to 10%, which is why fuel consumption is higher in traffic jams compared to normal driving. 2. Impact: Although the exhaust flow is relatively lower during idling, the fuel consumed is less compared to driving for an hour, so there's no need to worry about carbon buildup. However, if the vehicle remains idling for an extended period, the engine will continuously operate at low RPM, making the pistons and valves more prone to carbon deposits. This can lead to issues such as unstable idling, affecting engine performance, and may even impact the engine's lifespan.

[JosieLynn]

Keeping the car idling for 8 hours without turning off the engine is indeed harmful. Let me analyze this from a daily maintenance perspective. Prolonged idling keeps the engine running at low RPM, but the oil cannot circulate efficiently to lubricate, leading to increased wear on internal components like piston rings, as well as carbon buildup that contaminates spark plugs. It's also a huge waste of fuel—an average family car consumes about 0.5-1 liter per hour while idling, meaning at least 4 liters burned over 8 hours, equivalent to throwing away dozens of dollars. Additionally, it increases emissions and pollutes the environment, making it completely unnecessary. Normally, you should turn off the engine if parked for more than a few minutes—this protects the car and saves money. If you really need to wait or warm up the car, it's best not to exceed ten minutes.

[Annabeth]

Buddy, I've learned this the hard way. That time at an outdoor gathering, I left the heater running for 8 hours without turning off the engine. After getting home, the engine noise became louder and fuel consumption suddenly increased. The mechanic said prolonged idling caused the engine oil to degrade internally, accelerating component wear. For an average car, 8 hours of idling wastes enough fuel to drive dozens of kilometers. What's worse is the irreversible wear - like deteriorated piston ring seals that could cost thousands to fix later. Short idling is fine, but 8 hours is absolutely a killer operation. Make it a habit to turn off the engine.

[SanJustin]

From an environmental perspective, idling a car for 8 hours without turning off the engine causes significant harm. In idle mode, fuel combustion is incomplete, emitting more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that pollute the air, while also wasting limited resources. Prolonged low-speed engine operation easily leads to carbon buildup, affecting performance. I've seen many car owners experience abnormal exhaust pipes due to similar behavior. The gasoline consumed over 8 hours is considerable. It's advisable to avoid such unnecessary idling and instead turn off the engine, using the air conditioning switch or portable heating devices, which is more eco-friendly for the planet.

[Lulu]

Economically speaking, this is absolutely a loss-making move, as idling the car for 8 hours damages the engine and burns money. Idling consumes approximately 0.5-1 liters of fuel per hour, potentially exceeding 100 yuan in fuel costs over 8 hours, while also increasing internal engine wear such as bearing aging, leading to higher maintenance costs. If the battery is not charged promptly, it may further damage the electrical system, affecting overall lifespan. I recommend idling only briefly in emergencies; otherwise, turn off the engine and use your phone or read to pass the time, saving money and protecting the car in one fell swoop.