How much fuel does a car consume when idling for one hour without turning off the engine?

[VanMaya]

When a car idles for one hour without turning off the engine, the fuel consumption during idling can be affected by factors such as the vehicle's displacement and whether the air conditioning is on. Taking an ordinary 1.5-liter displacement family car as an example: 1. The normal idling fuel consumption is approximately 1-1.5 liters per hour, while with the air conditioning on, it can reach up to 2.5 liters per hour. Based on an average fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 kilometers, this is equivalent to the fuel consumption of driving 35 kilometers. 2. The larger the vehicle's displacement, the higher the fuel consumption naturally. Here are some additional points: 1. Prolonged idling can affect the engine: Frequent idling in place may also lead to engine malfunctions. If the vehicle remains idle for an extended period, the fuel will not burn completely. These unburned substances will remain in the engine and, over time, form carbon deposits. Carbon deposits can cause various issues in the engine, such as engine shaking, noise, high fuel consumption, poor acceleration, and difficulty starting. 2. Incomplete fuel combustion can also release a large amount of carbon monoxide: Since the vehicle is stationary, these harmful gases can enter the car through the air conditioning system, posing health risks to passengers inside. Prolonged exposure can also harm the vehicle itself and lead to oxygen deprivation in the car.

[HectorAnn]

I often see friends idling for long periods in parking lots while chatting or waiting, which really consumes a lot of fuel. Based on my experience, fuel consumption mainly depends on the size of the car and the engine displacement. For example, small-displacement economy cars, like 1.5-liter Japanese models, use about 0.7 to 1.2 liters of fuel per hour of idling. At the current fuel price of 10 yuan per liter, that translates to around 10 yuan. Mid-size SUVs might consume over 1.5 liters, while large-displacement pickup trucks can even reach 2.5 liters. Factors influencing this include whether the air conditioning is on—if you're using the AC or heater, fuel consumption can increase by about 20%. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling; it's better to turn off the engine if you're stopped for more than 5 minutes, as it saves fuel and is more eco-friendly. Additionally, newer cars with start-stop technology can automatically manage this, but if your car lacks this feature, manually turning off the engine is a good habit. In short, paying attention to these small details in daily driving can save you unnecessary expenses in the long run.

[VonRiver]

As an environmentally-conscious driver, I've long been concerned about idling issues, which really shouldn't be ignored. Leaving a car idling for one hour not only consumes significant fuel but also emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, harming the environment. From my observations, a passenger car consumes approximately 0.8 to 1.5 liters of gasoline per hour of idling, equivalent to emitting 2-3 kilograms of CO2. If this happens frequently in urban areas, air quality could be affected. I've done some calculations: if a family car idles for a cumulative 10 hours annually, it wastes dozens of liters of fuel, amounting to several hundred yuan. Worse still, idling engines operate unevenly, potentially accelerating component wear. I recommend minimizing idling time – turn off the engine during short waits or use phone reminders. In the long run, developing this habit can reduce your carbon footprint, making a small contribution to our planet.

[EverettDella]

I've worked on many cars and know the fuel consumption at idle. The principle is simple: the engine needs to maintain operation, with fixed air intake and fuel injection. Generally, a small car consumes 0.6 to 1 liter of fuel per hour at idle, while larger vehicles consume even more. Using the air conditioning can add an extra 0.2 liters or more. For example, my old car with a 1.6-liter engine consumes about 0.7 liters of fuel per hour at idle without the air conditioning. Regular maintenance can slightly reduce fuel consumption, as issues like carbon buildup or spark plug problems can make idling more fuel-intensive. Overall, it's not a major issue, but it's best to avoid prolonged idling.