Does idling with the heater on have any impact on the car?
3 Answers
Idling with the heater on does have an impact on the car. Effects of idling with the heater on: When the car is idling, the main impacts are increased fuel consumption and engine carbon buildup. Therefore, it is recommended not to leave the car idling for extended periods. It also affects the occupants inside the car. When the engine is idling, incomplete fuel combustion can produce carbon monoxide. If the car windows are not opened, the concentration of carbon monoxide inside the car will gradually increase, potentially leading to carbon monoxide poisoning for the occupants. Definition of idling: Idling to warm up the car is also known as soft warm-up. It involves starting the engine and allowing it to idle naturally without pressing the accelerator before driving the vehicle.
In winter, I often turn on the heater while waiting in the car, which indeed affects the vehicle. The engine needs to keep running to provide heat, and prolonged idling can easily lead to carbon buildup, especially in direct-injection engines, where it's more noticeable. Excessive carbon deposits can reduce power and increase fuel consumption. Additionally, the battery drains faster, especially in older cars where running the heater and listening to music might leave you unable to start the engine after just half an hour. It's recommended to run the heater for no more than 20 minutes and leave a slight gap in the window for ventilation, keeping you warm while also protecting the car.
Let me clarify the impacts of idling with the heater on. Firstly, fuel consumption will significantly increase as the engine needs to idle to provide power, potentially burning an extra 1-3 liters per hour. Then there's the exhaust emission issue – especially dangerous in enclosed garages since tailpipe gases contain carbon monoxide which can cause poisoning. From my experience, running the heater for 15 minutes at -10°C is enough to warm the cabin to 18°C, no need for prolonged operation. If waiting long, it's more economical to turn off the engine and go to a café instead.
