Is it really bad for your engine? I just heard about this today, from a Hyundai car manual. Does this apply to both old carburator and the new fuel-injection? Asked my wife to ask her sister to reach the airport early. My wife said her sister told her she read in her car manual that waiting in the car with the AC on is not good for the engine. Hmm...
I think most manual will mention that. But how true is it? I don't know. But I hardly leave my engine idle for 5 minutes and above for 1 simple reason. Waste fuel. Car manual also mention that if you travel short distances frequently, like less than 5km, you need to perform maintenance more often.
No idea. I'm assuming if you're idle, you're not moving. Air doesn't get to the radiator without the help of radiator fan or A/C condenser fan. Fans may have to work harder/longer. Same goes with A/C compressor. Engine sucks warm air from engine compartment rather than outside air. Waste of fuel. Wear and tear on engine but with 0 distance.
I'm not really sure if it'll "kill" your engine, but it is certainly wasteful. That's why newer cars are now implementing what some call "micro-hybrids", basically a start-stop system with a separate battery. This allows the car to automatically stop, saving fuel, while the air-conditioning system and radio, etc. continue to work. Of course, more frequent start-stops are supposed to result in more frequent maintenance, but I think that probably applies to COLD start-stops. Since the engine is already hot and well-lubricated, I don't think frequent start-stops at this point will be detrimental to the engine.
Most cars will not overheat when not moving thanks to fans. So that is not a big issue. Most modern cars will only overheat when you push to the max on track days, for example. But yes, fans will work harder and spins at full time.
I read this book back in 1980's: Drive It Forever: Your Key to Long Automobile Life: Robert Sikorsky: 9780070575226: Amazon.com: Books One thing I remember it saying was that idle is rough on engines and to take first parking place available and walk... I still practice it today...
Then you'd blame yourself for not going just a little further when you see all those parking spaces right in front of the shop. Happens to me ALL the time.
You must improve your kung fu, if it is not strong enough to be able to sense empty parking lots further up ahead.
These days, I prefer to park a bit further if it means I get a better spot - a wider lot, or one next to a column, or the ultimate lot - all by itself. Hahaha...
I think longer than 4-5 minutes of idle is too long. But if you see how micro-hybrid cars work, it looks like we would benefit from not idling at all.
But you are killing the tiny battery especially if they are not hybrid cars. So it is not really that great, and batteries are getting more and more expensive everyday.
No, I'm not suggesting that we turn off our engines like the micro-hybrids. They have a separate, dedicated battery to run the air-conditioner and electronics. But if I think I'll be waiting for more than 4-5 minutes, I would turn off my engine.
Yup, of course, especially if you are waiting for someone. If it's too hot, get off the car and wait elsewhere.
apparently, letting the car idle isn't good for the car, especially with the AC on. What you're basically accomplishing is aiding in the car wearing without racking up any miles. With the cylinders firing, you are using several electrical components, putting some small amount of stress on the belts, etc. Attention drivers! Turn off your idling engines