Does idling for 12 hours damage the car?
3 Answers
Idling for 12 hours does damage the car. Here are some extended details: 1. Definition of idling: Idling refers to the operation of the engine without any load, where it only needs to overcome the internal friction of its components and does not output any power. The minimum speed required to maintain stable engine operation is called the idle speed, which is one of the five basic operating conditions of an engine. A well-functioning engine typically has an idle speed between 550 to 800 RPM. 2. Hazards of prolonged idling: Prolonged idling can cause the engine temperature to drop too low, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which can easily produce carbon deposits that clog the fuel injectors. Severe carbon buildup can cause the piston rings to seize or even break. Additionally, prolonged idling results in poor fuel atomization, and unburned atomized diesel can condense and wash down the cylinder walls, entering the lubricating oil and diluting it. This deterioration of the lubricating oil leads to insufficient lubrication of the engine's moving parts, accelerating engine wear.
From a mechanical perspective, idling for 12 hours straight is indeed harmful to the vehicle. When the engine runs without load, incomplete combustion occurs, leading to carbon buildup that can clog the intake and exhaust systems, as well as shorten spark plug lifespan. Fuel wastage is significant, consuming approximately 1-2 liters per hour - meaning 12 hours equates to substantial money wasted. Unstable engine temperature and insufficient fan cooling may cause localized overheating and deformation. Continuous battery charging risks overload, reducing battery longevity. We recommend avoiding this habit whenever possible - shut off the engine if parked for over 5 minutes, and regularly inspect the air filter and coolant.
From an economic perspective, idling for so long is really not cost-effective. It consumes about 1.5 liters of fuel per hour, burning nearly 20 liters in 12 hours, which is a significant loss at current fuel prices. It also increases vehicle wear, leads to more carbon buildup, raises fuel consumption, and piles up repair costs. In the long run, this money would be better spent on maintaining tires or brakes. As a fuel-saving expert, I turn off the engine whenever parked for long, saving money and being eco-friendly.
