DID YOU KNOW?
Idling from heavy and light-duty vehicles wastes about 6 billion gallons of fuel annually in the U.S. alone. [1]
STAY INFORMED
- Idling a vehicle engine reduces fuel economy, pollutes the air, and adds unnecessary wear to your engine. [1]
- Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine. [1]
- Personal vehicles generate about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide annually through idling. [1]
- Eliminating unnecessary idling would be the same as taking 5 million vehicles off the road. [1]
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Don’t Warm Up by Idling
- Modern cars don’t need to idle to warm up. Drive gently to warm the engine faster and reduce emissions. [1]
2. Limit Idling in Cold Weather
- Even in winter, it’s better to drive slowly than to let your car idle for minutes on end. [1]
3. Turn Off the Engine When Stopped
- If stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), turn off your vehicle to conserve fuel. [1]
4. Use Automatic Stop-Start Features
- If your vehicle is equipped with a stop-start system, use it. These systems shut off the engine when the car is idle and restart it when needed — saving fuel automatically. [1]
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY REMINDER
Idling may seem harmless, but it adds up — in fuel costs, emissions, and engine wear. Make a habit of shutting off your engine when it’s not needed and drive toward a cleaner, more efficient future.