Idling Facts

IDLING FACTS

1. Idling longer than 10 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 compared to restarting the engine. (NRCAN)

2. Unnecessary idling wastes fuel. For the average vehicle with a 3-litre engine, every 10 minutes of idling wastes over 1 cup of fuel – wasted fuel is wasted money. (NRCAN)

3. No need to idle to warm up the car. In most conditions, start driving your vehicle after no more than 30 seconds of idling. Most cars and trucks are designed to warm up while driving at a moderate speed. (CAP)

4. 30 million trees would need to be planted to absorb the air pollution resulting from GTA drivers idling 5 minutes a day for one year. (CAP)

5. Idling affects our health. Studies have shown a direct link between contaminants from vehicle emissions and significant health effects. In Toronto, it is estimated that 1,700 people die earlier than expected each year and 6,000 hospital visits are linked to heart or lung diseases. (TOR)

6. Diesel engines stay warmer when turned off instead of idling. Idling a diesel-powered vehicle actually lowers the coolant temperature faster than shutting off the

engine. So turning off the engine keeps its warm for longer. (TOR)

7. Idling in many cities is against the law. For example, The City of Toronto has a by-law aimed at reducing unnecessary idling. It limits idling to no more than three minutes in a 60-minute period. For more information, contact the City’s Permit Parking Office at 416-392-7873, or visit the City’s web site www.toronto.ca/transportation/onstreet/idling.htm.

References

NRCAN - Natural Resources Canada (website April 2009)

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/idling/wastes.cfm?attr=28

CAP - Clean Air Partnership (website April 2009)

http://www.cleanairpartnership.org/idle/

TOR - City of Toronto, health division

http://www.toronto.ca/health/hphe/pdf/air_vehicle_idling.pdf