Does Prolonged Idling Affect the Engine?

[MacPaisley]

Prolonged idling does have an impact on the engine, with specific effects including: 1. The throttle opening remains very small, requiring the fuel injector to spray highly concentrated fuel to maintain engine operation, which increases the likelihood of carbon buildup; 2. Fuel consumption tends to rise; 3. The temperature and pressure inside the cylinders are relatively low, prolonging the preparation time for fuel ignition. Combined with reduced cylinder sealing at this stage, it can lead to engine knocking sounds and shorten the engine's lifespan. Idling is an operational state of a vehicle where the engine runs in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is referred to as the idle speed, which can be adjusted by modifying factors such as the throttle valve size.

[LenaLee]

As a car owner, I often idle the engine in place during winter for heating or waiting. Prolonged idling is definitely harmful to the engine. Incomplete combustion leads to increased carbon deposits, clogging fuel injectors and intake valves, affecting power output and fuel consumption. The low idle speed results in poor oil lubrication, accelerating wear on piston rings and cylinder walls, shortening engine life. The sensors in my car have even triggered high-temperature warnings due to slow cooling system circulation. Economically, it wastes money as each liter of fuel covers very little distance; it's also not environmentally friendly, emitting more harmful gases. It's recommended to avoid idling for more than 10 minutes. For longer waits, turn off the engine or use the auto start-stop function, which saves on maintenance costs and protects the car.

[AmirFitz]

With over two decades of driving experience, prolonged idling is detrimental. Operating at low RPMs leads to incomplete fuel combustion, leaving residue that hardens and impacts engine efficiency and responsiveness. During idling, oil pumps circulate slowly, providing insufficient protection to friction components, accelerating wear on bearings and valve covers. My old vehicle required piston ring replacements due to frequent idling, resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, idling consumes approximately 1.5 times more fuel than normal driving, straining your wallet. From a safety perspective, excessive idling risks overheating failures. Thus, I shut off the engine during prolonged stops to mitigate risks and prolong mechanical lifespan.

[Sebastian]

When driving a manual transmission car, I dislike idling in place. It causes low engine operating efficiency, incomplete fuel combustion with more residues, leading to carbon buildup that weakens power and slows acceleration. Idling also wastes fuel, increasing fuel consumption per 100 kilometers, draining the wallet faster and being less environmentally friendly. The loud noise is uncomfortable, and long-term wear on cylinders and pistons leads to frequent repairs and hassle. I regularly change the oil and add cleaners to reduce carbon deposits, avoiding idling for more than 5 minutes; I use a phone timer to remind me to shut off the engine, protecting my car's performance, saving money in the long run.