What is vehicle idling?
Vehicle idling happens when a vehicle is in operation but not in motion. Although the vehicle is stopped, the engine is still running and creating unnecessary emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that an idling vehicle produces about 1.18 grams of carbon monoxide per minute while idling. That means one minute of idling produces more carbon monoxide than the smoke (CO) from 2.4 packs of cigarettes (Chemistry and Toxicology of Cigarette Smoke and Biomarkers of Exposure and Harm).
Natural Resources Canada states that idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 than restarting the engine. However, to balance factors like fuel savings, emissions and component wear, 60 seconds is the recommended interval.
If you're going to be stopped for more than 60 seconds – except in traffic – turn your engine off.
Why do motorists idle?
Vehicle idling occurs in many places including roadways, truck stops and rest areas, bus terminals, restaurant drive-thrus, tourist attractions, landfills and lineups, airports, car washes, company terminals and distribution centres, as well as in school zones. Idling myth fact sheet
Warming up or cooling down a vehicle is the most common reason given for idling. Surveys show that Canadians in the Central Okanagan also idle their vehicles for other reasons that include:
Source: Idling and Air Quality Attitudinal Study
Idling Implications
Every minute counts. In the Central Okanagan there are approximately 123,000 drivers on the road every day. If each of those drivers stopped idling for 6 minutes per day, the region would save 15,142 tonnes of CO2 per year.
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What should I do instead of idling? |
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What about clearing my windshield during winter? |
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Should I warm up my vehicle during winter? |
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What about idling a diesel truck? |
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What about idling a light-duty vehicle? |
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Light-duty vehicles include cars, vans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles. They do not need to idle long to warm up:
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What about heavy-duty vehicles? |
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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. |
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Idling with air conditioning in the summer |
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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. |
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Idling with the heat on during winter |
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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. |
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How do I cut fuel consumption? |
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What are the most fuel- efficient vehicles? |
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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. |
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How much fuel and money can you save? |
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Natural Resource Canada states the average Canadian idles for eight minutes per day. If other family members also idle their vehicles, then as a family you are wasting too much fuel!
Use the Idling fuel and money estimator to see how you stack up and start saving some money by changing your idling behaviour. |
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Additional resources |
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