Does idling the car consume fuel?
2 Answers
Idling the car does consume fuel, although it is much less compared to fuel consumption while driving. However, it is not good for the engine. Below is relevant information about the idle state: 1. Idle state refers to a working condition when the engine is running without load. 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 best to have the idle speed adjusted at an automotive repair facility. 2. Idle refers to the engine running without any load, only overcoming the internal friction resistance of its components, without delivering any external power. The minimum RPM 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-performing engine typically has an idle speed of 550-800 RPM. 3. The idle speed can be adjusted by modifying the throttle opening or the idle fuel supply. Generally, the optimal idle speed is the lowest RPM at which the engine runs smoothly within the idle range and provides good acceleration performance. 4. The phenomenon of idling means the car remains stationary while the engine continues to run—burning fuel without any productive output.
When the car is running but stationary, it indeed consumes fuel. Once, I drove to pick up a friend and kept the engine idling while waiting for him. After about 20 minutes, I noticed the fuel gauge needle had dropped significantly. It turns out that the engine needs to continuously burn gasoline to maintain operation at idle, ensuring the cooling system and air conditioning can function properly, similar to how household appliances consume electricity in standby mode. On average, the fuel consumption can range from 0.5 to 1 liter per hour, depending on the car model and RPM. Over time, this adds up to significant waste. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling whenever possible. For instance, turn off the engine when waiting by the roadside and use a mobile app to control the start-up—it's both safe and fuel-efficient. Once this habit is formed, you can save dozens of dollars on fuel costs each month and reduce unnecessary environmental pollution. Long-term idling can also lead to carbon buildup, affecting performance, so it's advisable to regularly check and clean the spark plugs.
