Does Idling for 12 Hours Damage the Car?

2 Answers
Camilla
07/28/25 6:27pm
Idling a car for twenty minutes can cause certain damages to the vehicle. Below are the related impacts of idling on a car: 1. Main damages: The primary damage is that prolonged or frequent idling can lead to carbon buildup inside the engine cylinders and affect the throttle. When carbon deposits accumulate to a certain extent, they can reduce the car's power performance and, over time, easily cause engine wear. During idling, the vehicle does not perform external work. In an idling state, the engine only overcomes its own resistance, so it is advisable to turn off the engine during prolonged waits. 2. Fuel consumption: Extended idling increases fuel consumption, with a significant portion of fuel usage during vehicle operation attributed to idling. For a 1.5-liter displacement vehicle, idling for one hour consumes approximately 1-1.5 liters of fuel on average. For engines above 2.0 liters, the average fuel consumption during one hour of idling ranges from 1.5 to 2.3 liters. Additionally, prolonged idling contributes significantly to air pollution, making it advisable to avoid extended idling periods.
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Juan
08/12/25 12:06am
Once, my car was forced to idle for a long time in the parking lot. When I went for maintenance later, the mechanic said it was quite harmful to the engine. During idling, gasoline doesn't burn completely, which easily leads to carbon buildup in places like the throttle body and spark plugs. Over time, the car may start shaking and consume more fuel. The engine also doesn't get enough cooling, and the high temperature can thin the engine oil, reducing its lubrication effectiveness and accelerating piston ring wear. The most troublesome issue is the battery. Although the alternator is working, its output power is low. If you have the air conditioning and radio on, it could drain the battery in as little as 12 hours. Now, I try to avoid prolonged idling whenever possible. If it's absolutely necessary, I turn off the engine and restart it later.
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