Idling is when a vehicle’s engine will run, but the vehicle will not move. The vehicle’s idling speed is set to be sufficient to keep the engine running but not the vehicle. Vehicles are usually kept idling when parking for a limited time or stopped by the traffic light.  

Here are some of the issues associated with it:

• Fuel wastage: Minimized financial lost and avoid your car idling for a long period of time. If you let your car sit in neutral for just 30 seconds, you’ll waste more gas than if you were to turn the engine off and on again.

• Shortens engine lifespan: It makes sense if you live in the cold or snow area to warm up the car before moving it. It is a bad idea to leave your car idling for period of time and it could save you significant money if you start and stop the car engine. Due to idling, there is incomplete combustion of the fuel, which might harm the engine’s fan belts, thermostat, and exhaust system. Incomplete combustion of fuel results in residue that can cause exhaust system damage and expensive engine repairs.   

• Voluntary to theft: By leaving your car idling in the parking, it give the chance to the theft to drive away unless you have tracking GPS device installed.

• Air pollution: Unless your car is EV, otherwise, ICE or hybrid, the emissions pollute the air and can cause many respiratory problems like lung disease, asthma, and other heart problems. It can also lead to premature deaths.

So, is it always bad for idling car?

Yes. However, manufacture suggest to let engine on less than 30 second for most cars. If you turn on AC while idling will put stress on your car in the long run.

For most passenger car, should keep less than 1,000 rpm to be safe if you have to idling your car.

By KCD