Which Consumes More Fuel: Idling or Driving?
2 Answers
Vehicle idling consumes more fuel than driving. The following are reasons for high fuel consumption in cars: Tires: If the tire pressure is insufficient, fuel consumption will increase. If the tire pressure is normal, then check the degree of tire wear. Severe tire wear often leads to slipping, which also increases fuel consumption. Engine: If there is a significant buildup of carbon deposits in the engine over a short period, it can cause higher fuel consumption in the car. This situation is likely due to the use of substandard fuel. Oxygen Sensor: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor primarily monitors the air-fuel ratio in the engine. Once it is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the engine's air-fuel ratio, inevitably leading to abnormally high fuel consumption.
I've been driving a taxi for over a decade, on the road every day, so I know this issue best. Idling definitely consumes more fuel! The car burns gas while standing still, what a waste! For example, idling with the AC on while waiting in summer can consume two liters of fuel per hour, which translates to enough money for a fast-food meal. When the car is moving, even if it's crawling in traffic, the engine is at least doing work to move the vehicle, making the fuel consumption more reasonable. I once tested idling for ten minutes while queuing at a gas station, and it burned more fuel than driving a kilometer. Now when I teach apprentices to drive, I always tell them to turn off the engine if they're stopped at a red light for more than 30 seconds—it saves fuel, is more eco-friendly, and reduces carbon buildup in the engine.
