2004 to 2020 Mazda 3 Forum and Mazdaspeed 3 Forums banner

Excessive Idling?

5485 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Midnightsky228
Well delivery day is Saturday and I wanted to check in with the masses and ask about excessive idling. Over the years I have developed an affinity for sitting in nature spots in my car for hours on end, 1-3 hours. Historically in the summer I idle the vehicle during those periods with the A/C running and in winter idling with the heat on. Where I live it gets frigid cold in winter and gross dry heat in the summer, Alberta to be precise. My body has never gotten very good at adapting to the heat of summer or the frigid cold of winter so I rely on my vehicle to help balance things out. Why I do this? I enjoy the solidarity, the peace and quiet away from general city noises, its a great way to collect my thoughts and relax. I generally do this once or twice a day depending on various life circumstances. Typically I will watch red winged black birds, hawks/falcons, deer, and coyote's. Occasionally I will have music playing in the background sometimes at minimal volume and sometimes its blasting. At worst my vehicles will idle for 3-4 hours a day, at best 1 hour per day. What negative effects may this have on my 2017 Mazda 3 Hatch 2.5L engine? What suggestions would you give me to prevent any excessive wear on my engine from all this idling? I could reduce idle time but if I am starting/stopping the engine alot that puts extra wear on my battery and could require a new battery more often, which may in the end be a cheaper solution than replacing an engine. Also for the initial "break-in" period I would assume I need to prevent any idling, more or less at all costs correct? For about 1000-2000km? Any information, thoughts, and opinions are greatly appreciated.
1 - 1 of 12 Posts
If the car is idling for long periods of time you definitely want to follow the 'severe service' maintenance schedule. Also, if you spend a lot of time with many accessories on (lights, defroster/AC, wipers, rear defogger, hvac blower fan, etc.) I doubt your battery is ever being fully charged unless you have at least a 1/2 hour drive home after that.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 1 of 12 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top