Does leaving the car idling for 8 hours damage the vehicle?
1 Answers
Leaving the car idling for 8 hours can indeed harm the vehicle. When a car remains idling without being turned off for more than an hour, fuel consumption increases. Even though the car isn't moving, fuel is still being consumed, and although the engine speed is below 1000 RPM, fuel is still being used. Depending on the vehicle, fuel consumption can increase by 5% to 10%. The impacts of leaving the car idling for 8 hours include: Minor impacts: When a car remains idling without being turned off for more than an hour, fuel consumption increases. Even though the car isn't moving, fuel is still being consumed, and although the engine speed is below 1000 RPM, fuel is still being used. Depending on the vehicle, fuel consumption can increase by 5% to 10%. Carbon buildup issues: Scientifically, carbon buildup refers to the impurities produced during fuel combustion in the engine. Some of these impurities cannot be completely expelled and adhere to corresponding components, forming black carbon deposits. Although the airflow during idling is relatively lower, the fuel consumed during an hour of idling is less than during normal driving. When a vehicle remains idling for extended periods, the engine continuously operates at low RPMs, making the pistons and valves more prone to carbon buildup. This can lead to unstable idling and other adverse effects on engine performance, and may even impact the engine's lifespan. Secondly, the catalytic converter doesn't reach operating temperature: This can affect the vehicle's lifespan. Most vehicles are equipped with a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. This is the most important external purification device for vehicle emissions, converting harmful gases like CO, HC, and NOx into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions.
