Does Idling in Place Harm the Car?

[DawsonLynn]

If the car is idling in place for a short period of time, it will not cause any harm. However, prolonged idling can lead to carbon buildup in the engine due to incomplete combustion. It is recommended to avoid keeping the car in an idling state for extended periods. Idling refers to an operational condition where the engine runs without any load, meaning the car is in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is called the idle speed, which can be adjusted by modifying the throttle opening. Idling essentially means the engine is "producing power without doing work." When the engine is running and the accelerator pedal is fully released, the engine enters the idle state. When adjusting the idle speed, the RPM should not fluctuate abruptly, as this can cause premature wear to the engine. It is advisable to have the idle speed adjusted at a professional automotive service center.