How much fuel does a 1.6L car consume when idling for an hour?
3 Answers
Currently in the market, most family sedans have displacements of 1.5 or 1.6 liters. When idling for one hour, the fuel consumption is approximately 2 liters per hour. Relevant information about idling is as follows: 1. Introduction: Idling is an operating condition of a car, referring to the engine running in neutral gear. The engine speed during idling is called the idle speed. The idle speed can be adjusted by modifying the throttle opening size. Idling means the engine is "producing power without doing work." 2. Driving idle: When the car is in gear without pressing the accelerator pedal or when releasing the accelerator pedal while driving, maintaining the minimum throttle opening, the engine speed matches the parking idle speed. This state is called driving idle.
Buddy, my 1.6L displacement car often idles while waiting for people. Last winter in a Beijing parking lot, I waited for a friend for an hour and used an OBD scanner to measure fuel consumption - it burned about 1.2 liters of fuel. Idling means the engine is running while stationary, with the fuel pump still supplying gasoline but the car isn't moving, which is pure waste. Fuel consumption is affected by several factors - for example, turning on the AC increases it by 0.2-0.3L, and it's slightly higher during hot summers. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling whenever possible - just turn off the engine while waiting. It saves fuel and is more environmentally friendly. Developing this small habit a few times daily can save hundreds in fuel costs annually, plus it reduces carbon buildup in the engine.
As a car mechanic, I've seen plenty of idle fuel consumption issues. A 1.6L engine typically burns 0.8 to 1.5 liters of fuel per hour at idle, depending on engine condition and AC usage. Newer engines are more efficient, maybe around 0.8L; older cars or under load can reach 1.5L. The principle is that although fuel injection is minimal at idle, the engine cycles without moving, making it inefficient. With AC on, consumption increases further, up to 2L max. Regular cleaning of fuel injectors and throttle body maintenance helps reduce consumption. Avoid prolonged idling - it's bad for the car and wastes money.
