When I got to work this morning around 7:30, I stepped out of my car and habitually when I open the door I lock it, and I picked up my work stuff and closed the door. With it running. As soon as I closed it I had that "oh sh*t" feeling. So I called AAA and they came out there and got the door open, but the car was idling for about 25 minutes. It wasn't too hot outside, been overcast all day, probably in the 60s at the time, is it bad for my engine in any way for it to be idling that long? It's comparable to probably waiting in line at a drive through In n Out so I don't think it could be THAT bad, but I remember a post about how long people let their cars idle/warmup in the morning before they drive, and someone had claimed that it was bad to let it idle for too long? Any input is appreciated. Thanks,

-Erik

 

No it is'nt bad for your car, generally speaking. Worst case is if you did it in the summer and your cooling system wasn't up to snuff you might overheat and then all bets are off. If you have a poor tune and are running rich at idle you might foul plugs or damage your cat but again one instance of 25 minutes isn't going to hurt anything.

 

Some people say, that it'll get carbon build up, if it idles a lot, but 25mins. one time shouldt hurt, just dont do it a lot.

 

Slept at a rest stop in 90 degree weather one night for 4 hours with the car on and AC full blast with no probs

-Shannon

 

You didn't run out of gas? LOL