Is It Harmful to Keep the Car Running While Stationary?
2 Answers
Keeping the car running while stationary can cause damage to the vehicle. When the car remains stationary with the engine running, it enters an idle state. Idle operation refers to the engine running without load, meaning the clutch is engaged, and the transmission is in neutral (for automatic transmission vehicles, it should be in 'Park' or 'P' mode). Prolonged idling can lead to the following effects: 1. Engine temperature too low: Due to extended idling, the engine temperature remains too low, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, which can cause carbon buildup, clogged fuel injectors, and severe carbon deposits. 2. Poor fuel atomization, leading to lubricant degradation: Unburned and poorly atomized oil can wash the cylinder walls and mix into the lubricant, diluting and degrading it. This can cause increased engine wear as moving parts do not receive adequate lubrication. 3. Emission of toxic gases: Poor engine combustion worsens exhaust emissions, releasing toxic gases. 4. Low oil pump speed: Idle speed being too low reduces the oil pump speed, lowering oil pressure and resulting in insufficient oil flow to lubrication points. 5. Difficulty in cooling high-temperature engine components: This can even lead to damage of the catalytic converter due to excessive heat.
I've been driving for many years and found that idling the engine for extended periods without moving is indeed harmful to the car. The main issue is carbon buildup inside the engine—those unburned fuel residues and impurities can solidify and clog components, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced power. Moreover, during idling, the engine doesn't reach optimal temperature, preventing the cooling system from working efficiently, which may cause premature cylinder wall wear and affect overall longevity. According to some data I've read, idling for over 10 minutes is quite wasteful, especially when warming up the car in winter—modern engines are ready to drive within seconds after startup. Additionally, transmission fluid doesn't circulate properly under these conditions, accelerating its aging. If this becomes a habit, the car may start feeling sluggish within three to five years. I recommend avoiding unnecessary idling—it wastes money and damages your beloved vehicle.
