How much fuel is consumed by idling a car with the heater on for one hour?
2 Answers
When the engine is idling, turning on the car's heater for one hour consumes approximately 1-2L of fuel, though the exact amount may vary depending on the vehicle model. Below are some relevant details: 1. Impact: Keeping the car idling while running the heater inside does not cause severe damage. The primary effects of idling in place are increased fuel consumption and engine carbon buildup. To avoid potential engine issues, it is advisable not to leave the car idling for extended periods. 2. Idling: Idling is an operational state of the car 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 the throttle opening, among other methods. Essentially, idling means the engine is 'working but not performing useful work.'
As a car owner with over 20 years of driving experience, idling with the heater on for an hour consumes a significant amount of fuel. My car is an older 1.5-liter model, and at idle, it burns roughly 0.8 to 1 liter of fuel per hour. Using the heater mainly relies on engine heat, with the fan consuming minimal electricity, so the fuel consumption is slightly higher than idling without the heater, but not noticeably so. I remember one winter when I was stuck in traffic and idled continuously for an hour—the fuel gauge showed an increase of about 1 liter, costing me several extra yuan in fuel. I’d advise against doing this; it’s a waste of money and can also lead to engine carbon buildup, affecting its lifespan. For short stops, it’s best to turn off the engine, and just preheat for a few minutes before driving. If it’s cold, using remote start to warm up the car in advance is more cost-effective, saving fuel and protecting the vehicle.
