Canada Online

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Canada Online

Reduce Idling

Idling Your Engine Wastes Gas and Money

By Susan Munroe, About.com

Not only does idling your engine waste gas, excessive idling can contaminate engine oil and harm engine components.
  • Except at a traffic signal or in slow traffic, turn your engine off if you're going to be stopped for more than ten seconds. Idling your engine for more than ten seconds uses more gas than turning your engine off and starting it again.

  • Reduce warm-up idling to less than 30 seconds, as long as your windows are clear. Then drive slowly and avoid rapid acceleration for the first few kilometres of your trip to let your vehicle warm up.

  • Don't use a remote car starter. It will encourage unnecessary idling.

More Tips to Save Gas and Money

More Canada Online Quick Tips

Explore Canada Online

About.com Special Features

Canada Online

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Canada Online
  4. Business & Consumer Info
  5. Consumer Information
  6. Energy Conservation
  7. Energy Conservation - Cars
  8. Tips to Save Gas
  9. Reduce Idling to Save Gas - Tip to Save Gas and Money

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.