What are the harms of engine idling?

[Reyes]

Engine idling damage: It can easily cause carbon deposits in the vehicle. Carbon deposits can block the idle channel, causing the idle control device to stick or exceed its adjustment range, leading to low idle speed, idle shaking, failure of various auxiliary devices to accelerate, engine stalling when releasing the throttle, excessive exhaust emissions, and increased fuel consumption. Engine idling means the engine is running without being engaged in gear, only in P or N gear. Usually, you can drive at high speeds more often to use the airflow to clean the intake channel and prevent carbon deposits. You can also increase the shift RPM to remove some carbon deposits, which not only improves the car's power but also avoids knocking caused by too low shift RPM, protecting the engine.

[DelDawson]

I've been driving trucks for over a decade, and engine idling is a real silent killer. Simply put, fuel waste is the biggest pain. When idling, the engine burns fuel without moving, which is like throwing money away; on average, it consumes one liter of gasoline per minute. Doing this frequently makes fuel costs skyrocket. Second is the wear and tear issue. Although it sounds smooth, components like piston rings and bearings are constantly rubbing, especially during cold starts in winter, which is even more damaging. Carbon buildup is also annoying—incomplete combustion at low speeds leaves black soot on parts, weakening power over time and making stalling more likely. Additionally, pollution is severe: emitted carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter directly pollute the air, harming health. I recommend not idling for more than 30 seconds; it's better to turn off the engine and warm it up again when needed.

[DeJoel]

I think idling is extremely harmful to the environment. Every time my car is parked with the engine running, I feel uneasy—emissions skyrocket, contributing to urban smog, and neighbors complain. The specific harms are: fuel is wasted, gasoline turns into exhaust fumes, polluting the air; it also contributes to global warming. Long-term idling overloads the exhaust treatment system, causing carbon buildup and clogging in the catalytic converter, preventing it from working properly. The car also suffers: poor oil lubrication, large temperature fluctuations inside the engine, affecting its lifespan. As an environmental enthusiast, I try to avoid congested areas when driving, use start-stop technology, or simply turn off the engine, protecting both the car and doing a bit for the blue sky. Idling for more than a minute? Absolutely avoid it!

[Myra]

I often experience idling when driving my car, which is a significant issue: it wastes fuel without any benefit and increases air pollution. It also damages components—such as carbon buildup on spark plugs and insufficient lubrication leading to faster wear. Additionally, it affects engine performance, making it harder to start. I try to turn off the engine when parked to save money and be more environmentally friendly.

[Bethany]

Over the years of driving family cars, I've learned the harms of idling: wasting gasoline, increasing harmful emissions that endanger children's health, and accelerating engine wear such as bearing and oil pump failures. It hits the wallet with higher fuel consumption and causes engine carbon buildup leading to power loss. My advice is to turn off the engine at red lights—it saves fuel and protects the car.