What is the idle fuel consumption of a family sedan?
2 Answers
Generally, the idle fuel consumption of a family car is around 2 liters, but the exact amount depends on the engine displacement and idle speed. The larger the displacement, the higher the idle fuel consumption. Hourly fuel consumption: For a 1.6L displacement engine at around 800 rpm, the consumption is approximately 0.8L per hour. Idle speed generally refers to the situation where the engine is running but not doing any work, meaning the car is stationary while the engine continues to burn fuel. The fuel consumption in this state is called idle fuel consumption. Vehicle warm-up: For example, during winter, you need to warm up the car before driving. First, fill up the fuel tank at a gas station, then reset the odometer to zero, and drive over 100 kilometers on your usual route, which can be your daily commute.
I've been driving for over a decade and always pay attention to fuel consumption data. For family sedans, the idle fuel consumption typically fluctuates between 0.5 to 1.5 liters per hour, depending on the vehicle size and engine displacement. For example, a 1.6L compact car might be around 0.6L, while SUVs with 2.0L or larger engines could reach about 1.2L. This data comes from manufacturer manuals or real-world tests on forums, and many factors affect it: older engines consume slightly more fuel, cold weather requires more fuel to maintain operation, and fuel type matters—gasoline is slightly more efficient than diesel. Although idling is convenient for waiting at traffic lights or warming up the car, it burns fuel without moving, leading to significant waste over time. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling whenever possible and making it a habit to turn off the engine, which can also extend engine life. Checking your car’s manual or installing an OBD scanner can help you find the actual value, and understanding these details can save you a lot of money and resources.
