Does leaving the car running for 8 hours have any impact?

[ArabellaDella]

Leaving the car running for 8 hours has minimal impact. However, it consumes a significant amount of fuel, resulting in substantial wastage. Overview: Engine oil, also known as motor oil (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions for the engine, including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leakage prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Composition: Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties. Additives are used to compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, as well as to impart new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricating oil.

[DiOlive]

This issue is indeed worth serious attention. Keeping the engine running for eight hours will most directly lead to increased fuel consumption. Imagine wasting what could be a full tank of gas—with current fuel prices so high, that’s truly painful. Prolonged idling can also accelerate engine wear because oil distribution is uneven at low RPMs, leading to increased carbon buildup, which over time shortens the engine’s lifespan. I’ve seen many car enthusiasts report louder engine noises due to this. Additionally, if the air conditioning or lights are left on, the battery may drain or even get damaged, especially in older cars where batteries are already less durable. Safety-wise, it goes without saying—if parked in a garage, engine exhaust could accumulate, causing carbon monoxide poisoning, or attract thieves since the engine noise reveals the car’s location. My advice: always check the ignition button when parking, and make it a habit to save both hassle and money.

[VanCorbin]

From an economic perspective, idling a vehicle for eight hours is no small matter. The fuel consumption is particularly high, averaging one to two liters of gasoline per hour. Over eight hours, the wasted money could buy a meal, not to mention the burden on refineries. Every time I see this situation, I think of money-saving tips: installing an in-car reminder or using a mobile app to monitor engine status. Mechanical damage is even more troublesome. Prolonged low-load operation of the engine can lead to excessive heating, accelerating oil degradation and potentially damaging pistons and cylinders. A relative of mine had a car like this and later spent thousands on repairs. It’s also environmentally unwise, as increased exhaust emissions worsen air pollution and harm health. In short, developing the habit of turning off the engine is a smart move—don’t let a small issue turn into a big problem.

[DiJulian]

Forgetting to turn off the engine for eight hours can have serious consequences. Fuel is wasted, the engine accumulates carbon deposits at low idle, shortening its lifespan and requiring cleaning efforts. Safety risks are high: carbon monoxide can accumulate in garages, leading to poisoning; unattended vehicles are prone to theft. If electronic devices are left on, the battery may drain or get damaged. I've found prevention simple: make it a habit to glance at the hood before locking, or use the auto-off feature with a smart key. Small actions can prevent big troubles.