Technical Is idling for long periods of time bad?

[kyle96]

Something i've needed to ask for a long time,
Being 17 I sometimes deliver for the local pizza shop, it happily fills my tank up each week, but I usually will have my car on for most of the 7 hours I work.
Not only because it's freezing with the car off but I cant be bothered bumping it when the battery drains from leaving the stereo on (keeps me entertained)

Is idling the car for a long time bad in any way? Apart from fuel consumption.

Thanks

 

[middo85]

Not really as long as the cooling system is in good order. It might reduce the life of your cat in the long run but being 17 are you adequately insured for it?

You need business use INCLUDING hire & reward

 

[jameshobiecat]

It is certainly better to let it idle rather than bump starting it (which is bad for modern engines). How about getting an i-pod and switching the engine off whilst waiting? So long as the engine has warned through before you begin switching off all should be well.

 

[stepheno]

Could also put extra wear on your timing belt, so it's well worth changing that before it's due

 

[kyle96]

Not really as long as the cooling system is in good order. It might reduce the life of your cat in the long run but being 17 are you adequately insured for it?

You need business use INCLUDING hire & reward

I do actually have the correct insurance, cost me £20 extra, so I thought why not, I get pulled all the time, with no problems
Would have never thought the cat would have been a problem!

It is certainly better to let it idle rather than bump starting it (which is bad for modern engines). How about getting an i-pod and switching the engine off whilst waiting? So long as the engine has warned through before you begin switching off all should be well.

It's just nice to have the warm air on, and since I have a well equipped stereo system and sub that's why I like to keep it on, also to keep my phone charged through the shift otherwise it dies :/

Could also put extra wear on your timing belt, so it's well worth changing that before it's due

Good advice I'll be getting a full service at about 45k miles (at 38/39k now)
Ironically my mates GP's timing belt was just about to go too

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

I do actually have the correct insurance, cost me £20 extra, so I thought why not, I get pulled all the time, with no problems
Would have never thought the cat would have been a problem!

They're aware that the business use is for using the car for deliveries though, and not just normal business use like reps have I take it?? As there is a big difference and I'm surprised if its only a £20 difference per annum.

Re the original question though, shouldn't cause any issues to the car at all if its well maintained, only issue will be the impact on the environment.

 

[kyle96]

They're aware that the business use is for using the car for deliveries though, and not just normal business use like reps have I take it?? As there is a big difference and I'm surprised if its only a £20 difference per annum.

Re the original question though, shouldn't cause any issues to the car at all if its well maintained, only issue will be the impact on the environment.

Yes I specifically pointed out it was for deliverys. And thanks for the reassurance!

 

[middo85]

I do actually have the correct insurance, cost me £20 extra, so I thought why not, I get pulled all the time, with no problems

Good lad, a lot dont and delivery drivers are easy pickings for no insurance as a result

They're aware that the business use is for using the car for deliveries though, and not just normal business use like reps have I take it?? As there is a big difference and I'm surprised if its only a £20 difference per annum.

It differs massively between insurers in my experience, some will cover a driver on stardard business cover without the additional hire & reward. Im surprised about the cost as well with the OP's age.

 

[kyle96]

Good lad, a lot dont and delivery drivers are easy pickings for no insurance as a result









It differs massively between insurers in my experience, some will cover a driver on stardard business cover without the additional hire & reward. Im surprised about the cost as well with the OP's age.

Cheers! And it cost more to have my alloys covered than the insurance for delivering haha