How Much Fuel Does a Car Use When Idling for One Hour?
2 Answers
Taking a typical 1.5L displacement family car as an example, the normal idling fuel consumption is approximately 1-1.5 liters per hour. With the air conditioning on, it can reach around 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. Naturally, the larger the vehicle's displacement, the higher the fuel consumption. 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, among other methods. Idling means the engine "exerts force without doing work." 2. Driving Idle: When the car is in gear without pressing the accelerator pedal or when the accelerator pedal is released while driving, maintaining the minimum throttle opening, the engine speed matches the parking idle speed. This state is referred to as driving idle.
How much fuel is consumed during one hour of idling? I have years of driving experience with this. My compact car has a displacement of around 1.5 liters, and idling for one hour typically consumes about 0.6 to 1 liter of fuel, depending on the vehicle's condition. For example, idling with the air conditioning on in winter may increase fuel consumption to around 1.2 liters per hour; without it, the consumption is lower. Calculated at the current fuel price of 7 yuan per liter, idling for an hour wastes several yuan. Don't underestimate this amount—it adds up over time: idling a few times a week can lead to significant fuel costs over a year. More importantly, it's bad for the car, as it increases engine carbon buildup, which may cause problems if not addressed with long-term maintenance. I advise fellow drivers to avoid unnecessary idling while waiting; it's more economical to turn off the engine or step out of the car. From an environmental perspective, idling emits more pollutants, and with urban air quality being poor, reducing idling can help. Different vehicle models vary greatly—small cars like the Fit may consume around 0.5 liters per hour, while large SUVs can exceed 1.5 liters. It's best to check the manual or conduct a test for accurate figures.
