Does keeping the car idling consume fuel?
3 Answers
Keeping the car idling does consume fuel, although the fuel consumption is less than when driving. Prolonged idling can damage the car's engine. When the car is idling, it means the engine is in an idle state. Here is some related information about engine idling: 1. Idle state refers to the engine running without load. During idling, the engine speed is generally between 550-800 RPM. If the car idles for a long time, it can easily cause carbon buildup in the engine. 2. Both high and low idle speeds are undesirable. A high idle speed can affect the engine's fuel consumption, potentially increasing fuel usage, raising the engine's internal temperature, and accelerating engine wear, thereby reducing the engine's lifespan. Conversely, prolonged low idle speed can cause the car to stall. Stalling can occur in two scenarios: one is stalling while idling, and the other is stalling while the car is in motion.
I used to drive frequently, and I'm well aware that idling the engine while parked does consume fuel, as the engine keeps running and burns gasoline to maintain operation. For instance, during traffic jams at red lights or when warming up the car in winter, if the vehicle remains stationary for a long time, the engine maintains idle speed, and fuel continues to be injected and burned, albeit in small amounts. An average family car idling for an hour may consume half a liter to a liter of fuel, which is essentially wasted money and contributes to air pollution. I recommend avoiding this practice—turning off the engine saves fuel and money while reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, older cars are more prone to carbon buildup, and prolonged idling can degrade performance, leading to costly repairs. So, from a cost-saving perspective, it's best to minimize idling whenever possible.
I'm particularly concerned about environmental protection. Idling the engine while parked definitely wastes fuel, a point I often share with friends. Even at idle, the engine burns gasoline to generate energy, maintaining the battery, air conditioning, and other systems. Although the fuel consumption is small, it adds up significantly. Consider urban traffic congestion scenarios where increased exhaust emissions raise PM2.5 and greenhouse gases, causing substantial environmental harm. I make it a habit to turn off the engine when parked, using a mobile app to monitor vehicle status, saving fuel while protecting the planet. Data shows that globally, the amount of fuel wasted by idling vehicles is staggering, making it essential to promote green transportation starting with small actions.
