What are the hazards of high car idle speed?
2 Answers
Car idle speed refers to an operating condition where the engine runs without any load, known as idling. When the engine is running and the accelerator pedal is not fully released, the engine is in an idle state. High idle speed can cause significant harm to a car, mainly in the following aspects: Fuel consumption: Different cars consume varying amounts of fuel during idle. Some vehicles may consume 1L of fuel after idling for over an hour, while others may consume even more, possibly reaching 6-7L. Exhaust emissions: During idling, the amount of exhaust gases in the vehicle's cylinders increases significantly, leading to higher emissions. Increased risk of accidents: If the engine remains in idle for extended periods, the vehicle's braking system may loosen, making it prone to rolling unintentionally. Risk of damaging the catalytic converter: Prolonged idling results in excessive engine exhaust. Unburned fuel mixture can ignite at the catalytic converter's location, easily damaging it.
I've been driving this old car for seven or eight years. When the idle speed was too high before, I noticed it was particularly fuel-consuming, with the engine roaring loudly at idle, costing me dozens of dollars extra in fuel every month. Over time, this not only wastes fuel but also accelerates wear and tear on engine components, like piston rings and valves, which can cost hundreds or even thousands to replace. Also, the noise was so loud that I worried about disturbing the neighbors when parking at home at night, and I got complaints several times. The most annoying part was that high idle speed in summer could lead to poor cooling, almost causing the radiator to burst. The mechanic warned me that if this happens too often, it could lead to cylinder scoring and premature engine failure. So now, every time I start the car, I check the tachometer to keep the idle speed at a normal level—peace of mind and savings in the long run.
