What Are the Hazards of Prolonged Vehicle Idling?
3 Answers
Hazards of prolonged vehicle idling: 1. Incomplete fuel combustion leading to increased fuel consumption. When the engine speed is very low, the intake vortex weakens, resulting in poor fuel atomization and incomplete combustion; 2. Prolonged engine idling vibration can easily loosen the vehicle's braking devices, causing the vehicle to slide on its own; 3. Easy formation of carbon deposits in the engine. During idling, the engine oil pressure is relatively low, worsening the lubrication condition of moving parts. Unburned fuel washes the cylinder walls, the intake vortex is weak, and incomplete fuel combustion easily leads to carbon buildup in the car engine.
Back when I drove an old car, idling for too long was really not cost-effective. The fuel consumption would skyrocket, and a gallon of gas would only last about ten minutes—money was draining away like water. Carbon buildup in the engine was especially severe, and after burning oil, the power would drop significantly. At red lights, the car would shake violently, as if it had asthma. Over time, I had to clean the carbon deposits, adding another expense to maintenance. The cooling system was inefficient, and in summer, with the AC on, the water temperature would spike, posing a high risk. If things went wrong, I’d even need a tow truck for rescue. My advice: don’t leave the engine running while parked and waiting for someone. Turning it off after more than two or three minutes is more economical and worry-free.
Long idling is quite harmful to the car. For instance, it doubles fuel consumption, leaving your wallet significantly lighter after a full day of driving—burning fuel without accomplishing anything. At low engine speeds, combustion is incomplete, leading to a buildup of black carbon in the exhaust system, making the car sluggish when driven. Once, my car even made a creaking noise when starting. The battery also drains easily; idling with the heater on in winter can leave you stranded with a dead battery when you try to start the car—truly embarrassing. In daily maintenance, it's essential to control idling and develop good habits. It's best to turn off the engine if parked for too long.
