Vehicle idling

What should I do instead of idling?

• Turn off your vehicle
• Don't use a remote starter to warm your vehicle; warm it up by driving it
• Instead of using a drive-thru, go inside the building to make your purchase
• If you must use a drive-thru, consider turning off your vehicle during long wait times

What about clearing my windshield during winter?

• Scrape your vehicle's windows and don't rely solely on the defrost/defog function
• Use a brush or scraper to remove ice and snow
• Use a block heater for only two hours when the temperature is below freezing to reduce fuel use (by about 10%), emissions and provide heat for your defroster

Should I warm up my vehicle during winter?

• Avoid the use of remote starters
• The best way to warm up your vehicle is to drive it at a moderate speed 30 seconds after starting it
• As a bonus, you save fuel because an efficient operating temperature is reached twice as fast when driving versus letting the vehicle idle
• For the first 5 to 10 minutes, drive your vehicle gently with smooth braking and acceleration to avoid unnecessary stress on the engine
• Keep the RMPs low and don't slam on the brakes
• All of these tips will allow your vehicle to warm up while in motion

What about idling a diesel truck?

• Diesel trucks do not need more time to warm up:
• Above 0°C: 10 to 30 seconds of idling to warm up
• Below 0°C: 30 to 60 seconds of idling to warm up

What about idling a light-duty vehicle?

Light-duty vehicles include cars, vans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles. They do not need to idle long to warm up:

• Above 0°C: 10 to 30 seconds
• Below 0°C: 30 to 60 seconds

What about heavy-duty vehicles?

Large, heavy-duty vehicles and other large equipment may need to idle longer to be at operational temperature. Follow the vehicle's owner manual and avoid unnecessary idling.

Idling with air conditioning in the summer

If you are waiting in your vehicle, turn off the engine. If it is very warm outside seek more moderate temperatures in a nearby building or in the shade. In hot, sunny conditions, seek a shady parking spot and use windshield or window sun shades instead of idling. If you are waiting, turn off your engine. There is no need to have your air conditioning on while idling. If it is very warm outside seek more moderate temperatures in a nearby building or in the shade. In hot, sunny conditions, seek a shady parking spot and use windshield or window sun shades. Do not idle.

Idling with the heat on during winter

If you are waiting in your vehicle, turn off your engine. Dress appropriately for the weather. There is no need to have your heat on while idling.

How do I cut fuel consumption?

• Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
• Check the fluid levels at least once a month and top-up accordingly
• Measure your tire pressure at least once a month (tip: set up a reminder on your phone)
• Warm up your vehicle by driving it at a moderate speed
• Use the cruise control
• Avoid speeding
• Use your air conditioner sparingly
• Use a block heater to warm up your vehicle for only two hours in the winter months
• Remove unnecessary weight
• Take off the roof rack
• Make one long trip instead of several short trips
• Walk, cycle, skate, use a scooter, carpool or take public transit whenever you can (commit to this for trips under 2.5 km)
• Adopt fuel-efficient driving habits

What are the most fuel- efficient vehicles?

Fuel economy is key to purchasing a new vehicle. Find and compare cars side-by-side through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

How much fuel and money can you save?

Natural Resource Canada states the average Canadian idles for 8 min/day. If your car is a small 3-litre engine you are wasting 88 litres of gasoline/year.

If the average cost of fuel is $1.3/L, then you could save $114.4 per year (88L/year*$1.3/L). If your car is a 5-Litre engine, then you could save $189.8/year.

If other family members also idle their vehicles, then as a family you are wasting too much fuel! Use the table below to make your own calculations and start saving some money by changing your idling behaviours.

Source: Natural Resources Canada