Does idling for 30 minutes damage the engine?

[McOscar]

Idling for 30 minutes can damage the engine. Engine maintenance methods: 1. Use qualified engine oil; 2. Use qualified coolant; 3. Regularly clean the radiator scale; 4. Regularly remove carbon deposits from the engine; 5. Replace the vehicle's air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter on time; 6. Check if the spark plugs are damaged. Solutions for insufficient engine power: 1. Clean carbon deposits from the cylinders, throttle, spark plugs, intake system, and engine; 2. Replace with high-quality gasoline; 3. Clean the air filter; 4. Check the levels of engine oil and coolant.

[DelMiguel]

I believe that idling for 30 minutes in place usually won't immediately damage the engine, but based on experience, doing this long-term can easily lead to some issues. For example, incomplete fuel combustion during idling can cause carbon buildup on the throttle body and spark plugs, affecting ignition efficiency. Having driven both old and new cars, I've noticed that frequent idling for over half an hour significantly increases fuel consumption and makes the exhaust heavier. The solution is to avoid making it a habit, especially not idling for long periods in congested areas; occasionally revving the engine at high speeds on the highway to clear carbon deposits is sufficient. The trick to protecting the engine lies in paying attention to small details, such as regular maintenance checks on engine oil and air filters, which can extend engine life. Cars are designed to be driven, so don't let them idle unnecessarily, wasting fuel and time.

[LaHenry]

I don't think idling for 30 minutes causes much harm to the engine, but it's really not cost-effective. Why do I say that? When the engine idles in a stationary state, fuel efficiency is extremely low, burning fuel quickly and wasting money—averaging several extra dollars in fuel costs per hour of idling. From my daily driving experience, doing this frequently can gradually lead to carbon buildup inside the engine, making the power response a bit sluggish. Modern car engines are advanced, so short periods are fine, but it's best not to exceed 15 minutes. I recommend turning off the engine when parked and waiting, and limiting warm-up with AC or heating to 5-10 minutes. This saves fuel, is eco-friendly, and keeps the engine running smoother. Paying attention to these small details makes car maintenance much easier.

[FrankLee]

I used to idle my car to warm it up, especially in winter, often for half an hour. Mechanics told me it causes no direct harm. However, prolonged idling can lead to carbon buildup, so I changed my habit and now turn off the engine if idling exceeds 10 minutes. Idling consumes fuel and causes pollution, but adding fuel additives during maintenance can help. A simple practice to protect the car, save money, and have peace of mind.