Leaving the engine running while parked wastes money and damages the engine.
Here’s the hard truth about idling. If you stop for more than 10 seconds, turn the key to the OFF position. I’m not talking about sitting in traffic. This means you can just wait in the driveway, load your groceries or warm up your car in the driveway. The Canadian Natural Resources Agency (NRCAN) says this practice makes no sense.
The logic is simple. Zero miles per gallon at idle. They release greenhouse gases and smog-causing pollutants directly into the atmosphere. It will be a waste of fuel. It also wears down the engine faster than driving.
People worry about the starter. They believed that turning the engine off and on again would damage the starter motor. they are wrong. According to NRCAN, the impact on starter life is minimal. Restarting the engine saves more fuel than a worn starter.
This also applies to winter. In cold weather, they feel like they need to let the car run for five minutes. This is a myth. If you plan ahead, you can defrost your windows with just 30 seconds of inactivity.
How can you keep your windows clean without idling for ages? Use vinegar solution. Mix 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water. Coat the outside of your windows with it. This prevents the formation of frost for several months.
Do not rev the engine when you start driving. Get moving at a moderate speed. This way, the engine warms up faster and more evenly than if it were stationary.
This is a simple change. Something that saves fuel. Something to help the air. Why are we burning gas while going nowhere?
