Does Idling with the Heater On Affect the Vehicle?
2 Answers
Idling with the heater on can have an impact on the vehicle. Moreover, it can also affect the human body to some extent. Here are the relevant details: Impact on the human body: When the engine is idling, incomplete fuel combustion produces carbon monoxide. If the car windows remain closed, the concentration of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle will gradually increase, potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning for the occupants. Impact on the vehicle: When the car is idling, the engine must overcome the friction resistance generated by its internal components. Without any power output, incomplete fuel combustion can occur, leading to carbon buildup in the cylinders and on the throttle valve. Additionally, idling with the heater on slows down the engine's warm-up process and increases fuel consumption.
I've been driving my own car for several years and feel that keeping the engine running with the heater on while parked mainly increases fuel consumption. This is because the engine consumes more gasoline when idling, and the heater relies on the engine's heat to function. Although the car interior gets warm, fuel is essentially wasted. I occasionally do this in winter while waiting for someone, but I notice a significant drop in the fuel gauge—after an hour, the fuel consumption is equivalent to driving ten kilometers. It's fine for short periods, like warming up for under ten minutes, but doing it longer is a waste of money and increases the risk of engine carbon buildup. I recommend using a timer to turn off the engine or finding a safe place to park and rest with the engine off, saving money and being more environmentally friendly.
