Scotty,
I have a 2010 Chevy Avalanche with the 5.3 engine in it with 137k on the odometer.
I have used E85 Ethanol in the engine almost all of its life in hopes that it will keep the engine running cleaner.
Besides increased wear, is there any harm in idling the engine for extended lengths of time, such as sleeping as rest stops or in parking lots when driving long distances?
The internet seems to be all over the map on whether this is bad for a vehicle or not.
Thanks for your awesome content.
Tod Parker
Indianapolis, IN
Depends on how long you let the car idle. Too long idling results in uneven temperature (specially in the exhaust system) which results in thermal shocks.
you mean like this one?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gLBC_tgwFw
Similar to this but my main concern is about the temp. difference between the cat and close by exhaust spots.
no harm. The extended idling should be offset by the highway driving.
For old cars it is not problematic. Modern ones have bunch of sensors, filters and other crap that can go bad if you idle them for too long.
