What does prolonged idling of a car mean?
2 Answers
Car idling refers to an operating condition where the engine runs without any load. When the engine is running without the accelerator pedal being fully released or pressed, it is in an idling state. Prolonged idling occurs when this state continues for an extended period. Extended information on the hazards of prolonged idling to a car is as follows: Fuel consumption: Different cars consume varying amounts of fuel while idling. Some vehicles may consume 1L of fuel after idling for more than an hour, while others may consume even more, possibly reaching 6 to 7 liters. Exhaust emissions: During idling, the amount of exhaust gases in the vehicle's cylinders increases significantly, leading to higher emissions. Increased risk of accidents: When the engine remains in an idling state for a long time, 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 gases, and unburned fuel mixture may combust at the catalytic converter's location, easily causing damage to the catalytic converter.
Long idling refers to the car engine continuing to run while the vehicle is stationary, such as when waiting by the roadside or stuck in traffic with the air conditioning or heater on. I have encountered this situation many times myself—preheating the car by idling in winter to avoid the cold, only to see fuel consumption skyrocket and money wasted. During idling, the engine runs without delivering power, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which can cause black, hard deposits called carbon buildup to accumulate on the cylinders and spark plugs. Over time, this can make starting the engine difficult or cause it to shake. Additionally, prolonged idling is bad for the battery, especially when using headlights or the audio system, as it may drain the battery. Remember, it's best to avoid idling for more than 5 minutes—turn off the engine, and if your car has an auto start-stop feature, use it.
