Accidentally left my car running (Idling) all Day :O

Ohmcrazy

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Like title indicates.. I had a major brain lapse yesterday. Got to work went in and left my car running. 9:30am to 6:30pm
Question is, other than ask myself wtf is going on in my head, do I need to be concerned about anything on the engine?
I just changed my oil about 1,000 miles ago but was thinking about doing another oil change since I heard about issues with fuel dillution and idling making it worse. Carbon build up due to idling with the DI??
An interesting tidbit about all this - so I had roughly 3/4-7/8 of a tank that morning. After idling 9 hrs there was still 1/2 tank left. If someone asked me beforehand I'd say it would be run dry and I'd need a lift to the nearest gas station with a jug. My fuel economy was around 39mpg in the morning, 31.5 that evening. Go figure.
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Jervic

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Early oil change 50% maybe? there's the saying"oil is cheap engine not.
 

gtman

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I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that could happen. That's gotta be the biggest brain fart ever.
 

Boosted1one

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If the AC wasn't on and it wasn't a particularly hot day, car out in the baking sun, no breeze etc.

Then, I wouldnt sweat it.

That oil change just in case wouldn't hurt.
 

typeaarrr

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I would be concern about I just wasted a tank a gas. I could have used the money for beer.

I wouldn't worry. Your car is fine.
 


Gruber

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There were discussions on this forum, both about leaving a button-start car running for hours by mistake, and also about how much or little gas is used when idling.

While some people said that only a complete idiot could leave a car on and leave, I always said it could happen to anybody, and it actually happens not so rarely according to the internet.

Also, I always knew that idling a car like civicx takes minute amounts of gas, so saving minutes of idling at lights or warming up the car will never be significant as far as the cost in dollars.

Well, I'm always right.....
 

civicls

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I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that could happen. That's gotta be the biggest brain fart ever.
With how quiet the engine is I wouldn't blame him walking off. Lucky he didnt get his car stolen.
 

Gruber

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I just yesterday took my daughters Camry for a ride to check for alleged brake noises.
I also gave it a sort of half Italian tune up and I drove with no radio at night with almost no traffic. The 4 cyl. engine was so quiet and smooth I couldn't hear or feel anything when idling at lights. Quieter than the 1.5T in my civic. No valve noises or steering wheel vibration so I couldn't tell it's running - not bad for a 140+ kmiles car. (Pity they tend to develop oil leaks on piston rings and start to consume oil). Would be easy to leave it on, but this Camry has a regular key ignition.
 

latole

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If the AC wasn't on and it wasn't a particularly hot day, car out in the baking sun, no breeze etc.

Then, I wouldnt sweat it.

That oil change just in case wouldn't hurt.

Hot day yesterday in Chicago ? :lol:
 

dallasjhawk

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I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that could happen. That's gotta be the biggest brain fart ever.
super easy, park, grab phone, take drink of water, pop trunk with trunk release inside car, hop out grab work laptop while reading email, shut trunk and walk off. Thank god I didnt have ear buds in, or I wouldnt have heard the beep beep beep. I could totally see how it happens :)
 


Gruber

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Like title indicates.. I had a major brain lapse yesterday. Got to work went in and left my car running. 9:30am to 6:30pm
Question is, other than ask myself wtf is going on in my head, do I need to be concerned about anything on the engine?
I just changed my oil about 1,000 miles ago but was thinking about doing another oil change since I heard about issues with fuel dillution and idling making it worse. Carbon build up due to idling with the DI??
An interesting tidbit about all this - so I had roughly 3/4-7/8 of a tank that morning. After idling 9 hrs there was still 1/2 tank left. If someone asked me beforehand I'd say it would be run dry and I'd need a lift to the nearest gas station with a jug. My fuel economy was around 39mpg in the morning, 31.5 that evening. Go figure.
Have you checked the oil level on the dipstick? It might be interesting to see whether it increased, but you would need to know what it was before. Generally idling should increase oil dilution only during the time the engine is still cool, but, depending on the weather, the civicx might remain underheated all the time while idling.
 

Boosted1one

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Hot day yesterday in Chicago ? :lol:
Oh, right! Not everyone lives in sunny southern California! I forgot to check the profile of every member (I sure hope they keep that thing updated with current location) before replying.

Please forgive me for breaking standard protocol, and my ignorance for assuming the weather outside for me is the same weather outside for everyone..
 

NHCivicGuy

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Lol damn! Yeah I would definitely change your oil to be on the safe side, but I'm sure you are fine.
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