Deeper Shade of Green

If every driver of a light duty vehicle avoided idling by five minutes a day, collectively over the year, we would save 680 million litres of fuel, over 1.6 million tonnes of GHG emissions, and $646 million annually in fuel costs (assuming fuel costs are $0.95/). (Source: Natural Resources Canada).

According to a recent study Canadians voluntarily idle their vehicles for a combined total of more than 75 million minutes a day which equates to one vehicle idling for 144 years. (Source: Natural Resources Canada).

Many of us have been taught by our parents that it is necessary to warm up our vehicles prior to driving, and we live by this rule without question. Below are four common misconceptions which, if corrected, can not only lessen the environmental impact of driving, but also save you money at the pump.

Myth #1: A car engine should be warmed up before driving.

Fact: The most effective way to warm up your vehicle is by driving it, avoiding high speeds and rapid acceleration for the first 5km. Modern vehicle require a mere 30 seconds of idling in the winter to sufficiently warm up the engine, particularly in the mild west coast climate. Idling does not warm up other components of your car, including wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires. Only driving can warm up these parts.

Myth #2: Idling is good for your engine.

Fact: Idling can cause damage to vehicle components. When idling, an engine does not operate at its optimal temperature, meaning combustion of fuel is incomplete. This causes the accumulation of fuel residues on cylinder walls which can contaminate the oil and damage the engine. Fuel residue can also accumulate on spark plugs causing untimely wear and an increase in fuel consumption of 4-5%.

Myth #3: Shutting off your car and then restarting it is hard on the engine and uses more gas than just idling.

Fact: Impact on engine component is minimal and can amount to an estimated $10 per year on average (an amount you are sure to gain back on fuel consumption alone). Idling longer than 10 seconds consumes more fuel than turning off then restarting the engine does

Myth #4: My car/truck is diesel so I need to warm it up longer than a conventional gas engine.

Fact: For the initial start-up, most engine manufacturers recommend that newer engines run for approximately three to five minutes prior to driving, check your owners manual. Idling after stopping actually lowers the coolant temperature faster than shutting off the engine. In other words‚ switching off the engine keeps the engine warm longer.

Why should I care?

· Save money on fuel by reducing consumption

· Reduce wear and tear on your engine

· Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

· Improve the quality of the air we breathe.

The exhaust emitted by your vehicle contributes to the formation of smog. Exhaust contains carcinogens (cancer causing agents) and contributes to respiratory problems. Children and people with existing respiratory complications are particularly vulnerable, but effects can be seen in even the healthiest of people. Health Canada estimates that more than 5000 Canadians die prematurely each year because of air pollution, and thousands more become unnecessarily ill. (Source: Natural Resources Canada).

Most municipalities have initiated anti-idling policies aimed at educating the public and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city of Vancouver has gone as far as issuing a fine for idlers who have already received one warning.

Click here to learn more about the City of Port Coquitlam’s anti-idling program.

More information:

Natural Resources Canada Idle Free Zone