What are the damages to a car if it idles for seven or eight hours?
3 Answers
Prolonged idling of a vehicle in place will not cause fatal damage to the vehicle, but it will consume a large amount of fuel and also lead to carbon buildup in the engine. Hazards of prolonged idling: During idling, the oil pressure is relatively low, affecting the lubrication effect of the oil on the engine and accelerating the wear of internal engine components; idling can cause incomplete fuel combustion, making it easier for carbon deposits to form on the throttle valve; when the coolant temperature drops below 60 degrees Celsius, combustion byproducts in the cylinders may react chemically with the moisture in the coolant, forming acidic substances that accelerate cylinder corrosion. How to handle prolonged idling: If the car has been idling in place for seven or eight hours without being turned off, it should be shut down as soon as possible. The vehicle consumes fuel even when idling, so first check whether there is enough fuel left in the car. If the fuel level is low, it should be refueled promptly. Next, check if the water temperature is too high, as the engine's cooling capacity decreases when idling in place. If the water temperature is too high, the engine should be turned off immediately to allow it to cool down.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and idling for seven or eight hours is really bad for the car. When the engine runs at low speed for a long time, the fuel doesn't burn completely, leading to carbon buildup in places like the intake manifold and fuel injectors. Too much carbon buildup causes the car to shake at idle, and the throttle response becomes sluggish. Engine oil thins out and loses its lubricating properties when exposed to high temperatures for too long, increasing wear on internal components like piston rings—repairs can cost thousands. Turbocharged cars fare even worse; the turbo relies on oil for cooling, and poor heat dissipation during idling can cause it to burn out. The battery also suffers, as charging efficiency drops while running the AC or lights, shortening its lifespan. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling whenever possible—for example, turning off the engine in traffic jams or driving around every half hour of idling to clear carbon buildup. This saves fuel and protects the engine.
I pay attention to my car usage habits, as idling for seven or eight hours is harmful to both the environment and myself. It wastes gasoline, emits large amounts of harmful gases that pollute the air, and causes the catalytic converter to not reach optimal temperature, leading to carbon buildup and blockages, which are costly and time-consuming to repair. The battery charges slowly during idling, and using electrical devices can easily drain it, making it difficult to start the car in winter. The cooling system is under heavy load and may overheat, especially in summer. Maintenance-wise, engine oil deteriorates faster, and spark plugs accumulate carbon deposits, affecting performance. I've changed to a habit of turning off the engine for short periods, shutting it down when stuck in traffic or waiting for a few minutes, which saves money and reduces carbon emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.
