28 Apr EcoTip #3 No More Idling

I walk every morning on a road in my neighborhood. And every morning I pass by two or three big pickup trucks idling for 30 minutes or longer in front of a landscaping business.  It’s springtime and warm in the morning. Why would the engine need to warm up? I thought maybe diesel engines require idling. All the particulate matter and fumes really bothered me. I couldn’t ignore it and decided to do some research.

I found out that the idling habit got started back in the 1930s when the first diesel fuel trucks had cranking difficulties in colder weather and diesel fuel gelled in cold temperatures. Advances in engines, fuels and lubricants have made idling unnecessary in most circumstance.

Idling isn’t good for any vehicle. The obvious things are that it wastes gas (at these prices!!) and adds to air pollution, especially carbon dioxide that fuels climate change. Idling also poses a health risk for drivers sitting in the car or truck, more than when the vehicle is moving. Excessive idling even causes wear and tear on the engine. All are good reasons to stop letting your vehicle idle.

Other ways you can save gas and reduce pollution caused by driving your car:

• Keep your car engine tuned up and check tire pressure regularly
• Slow down – at speeds above 60 mph gas mileage drops off rapidly
• Walk, ride your bike or take public transit when you can

For more energy-saving tips: http://www.energysavers.gov/tips/driving.cfm