Will Idling the Car After Starting Damage the Vehicle?
2 Answers
Idling the car after starting will not damage the vehicle, but it will increase fuel consumption. Avoid using too many high-power electrical appliances during idling, as this can lead to battery drain. Prolonged idling can also cause significant carbon buildup. Methods for cleaning carbon deposits in cars include: 1. Cleaning the throttle valve: Remove the engine cover, detach the throttle valve, clean it with carburetor cleaner, dry it with a cloth, and reinstall it; 2. Cleaning fuel system carbon deposits: Add a full bottle of fuel additive to the fuel tank before refueling; 3. Cleaning internal engine carbon deposits: Open the oil cap, pour in the entire can of cleaner, close the oil cap, start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes before turning it off; 4. Cleaning intake system carbon deposits: Pour the intake system cleaner into the reservoir of a dedicated cleaning device, connect it to the intake system, and use the vacuum to draw the cleaner into the intake tract for cleaning purposes.
Whether idling a car without moving causes damage depends on the duration and specific circumstances. In winter, letting the engine idle for 1-2 minutes to warm up is normal and won't harm the engine. However, prolonged idling can cause issues. For example, idling with the AC on while waiting leads to incomplete fuel combustion at low RPMs, causing carbon buildup in the throttle body and cylinders. Over time, this increases fuel consumption and reduces power. Additionally, moisture accumulates in the exhaust pipe, accelerating rust formation. It's recommended to limit warm-up idling to 1-2 minutes, then drive slowly to raise temperatures. If parked for over 15 minutes, turning off the engine is advisable.
