What are the effects of forgetting to turn off a BMW for several hours?
3 Answers
Forgetting to turn off a BMW primarily affects the engine. If the vehicle remains parked with the engine running for an extended period, the engine will operate at low RPM for a long time, increasing carbon buildup on the pistons and valves. This can lead to unstable idling or other adverse effects, and in severe cases, it may even impact the engine's lifespan. Below are the relevant details: 1. Car engine idling: Prolonged idling is not advisable. During idling, the engine operates at low RPM, which can result in increased fuel consumption and incomplete combustion, leading to carbon deposits that significantly damage the engine. 2. Engine wear: If the vehicle idles overnight, the most immediate effect will be noticeable fuel depletion, followed by an increase in exhaust fumes inside the cabin. It is recommended not to enter the vehicle immediately; instead, open the doors to allow air circulation for a while. Other effects are not visible to the naked eye, but the more significant ones include increased engine wear and carbon buildup. If the vehicle has no other issues, these effects should not cause major problems.
Last time I drove my friend's BMW, he forgot to turn off the engine and left it running for half a day. I observed that the consequences of the engine running continuously for several hours were quite severe. A BMW engine running non-stop significantly increases fuel consumption, wasting dozens of liters of gasoline, which means a lot of money down the drain. What's even more troublesome is the rise in engine temperature; if parked in an enclosed space by accident, it could lead to overheating, damaging the cooling system and internal components. At the same time, the battery undergoes repeated charging and discharging, accelerating its aging, and if a short circuit occurs, it becomes even more problematic. I remember reading on forums where many people shared similar experiences, all mentioning increased mechanical wear, such as heightened friction between piston rings and cylinder walls, leading to soaring repair costs in the long run. So now, I always remind myself to double-check the key before leaving the car.
From a money-wasting perspective, forgetting to turn off a BMW engine for several hours is practically burning cash. Just the fuel consumption alone could waste hundreds of yuan worth of gasoline - completely pointless. More importantly, prolonged idling accelerates engine wear. During your next garage inspection, the mechanic might point out faster-than-normal piston or chain wear. While the battery keeps charging during idling, its lifespan shortens rapidly under overheating conditions, and replacing it would cost a fortune. I've calculated several similar cases - on average, one hour of idling wastes several liters of fuel, which translates to significant losses at today's fuel prices. I recommend installing a phone reminder or auto-shutoff feature to prevent recurrence.
