What Are the Consequences of Idling a Car for One Hour?
2 Answers
Idling a car for one hour can lead to significant engine oil consumption and severe carbon buildup in the engine. Below are the detailed explanations: High Oil Consumption During Idling: When idling, the throttle opening is small, creating a high vacuum inside the intake manifold. This can draw oil vapor into the intake manifold, where some of it deposits and forms carbon-like substances or coking. Carbon Buildup During Idling: During idling, the air-fuel mixture tends to be richer. Prolonged idling with a rich mixture can cause carbon buildup in the engine. Carbon deposits reduce engine power and increase fuel consumption. In severe cases, they can cause engine knocking, abnormal acceleration noises, and damage to pistons and crankshafts, eventually leading to oil burning and requiring major engine repairs. It also directly affects the vehicle's exhaust emissions, potentially causing it to fail annual inspection tests.
I always think that prolonged idling of a car is not a good thing. If the engine runs idle for a full hour, first of all, it consumes a significant amount of fuel—approximately half a tank, which translates to wasting dozens of yuan in money. More seriously, the emissions are several times higher than during normal driving, exacerbating air pollution in cities, such as worsening smog and climate issues. I’ve also heard that during idling, the engine temperature remains low, leading to incomplete combustion, which can easily cause carbon buildup in the cylinders. Over time, this may affect performance or even cause malfunctions. If this happens in a poorly ventilated garage, carbon monoxide from the exhaust can accumulate, posing serious risks to people. So, it’s best to avoid doing this, especially in eco-conscious cities or enclosed areas. If idling is absolutely necessary, keep it limited to just a few minutes.
