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Information for this section of the website was taken from
"Idle-Free Vermont", at
www.idlefreevt.org
FACTS ABOUT IDLING
IDLING CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL WARMING.
Climate change is a serious threat to the planet caused mainly by
burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline. Overwhelming scientific
evidence links global warming to the earth's highest ever average
annual temperatures, melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels,
increasingly severe weather events, and to the threat of many plant
and animal species.
• IDLING CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS. The
emissions of even today's modern vehicles contain Carbon Monoxide,
Nitrogen Oxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Benzene and several other toxic
chemicals that impair our lungs and heart. Prolonged exposure can
lead to death. Children, the elderly, and individuals with
asthma are especially at high-risk.†
• IDLING WASTES FUEL. In this time of ever
increasing gas prices, needless idling burns your hard earned
dollars through your exhaust pipe. And remember that fossil fuels
are a non-renewable resource and are being depleted in the face of
ever increasing world demand. Did you know...
-
Idling your vehicle for more than just 10 seconds
uses more fuel than restarting your engine.*
- Idling your vehicle for just 10 minutes uses as
much fuel as it takes to travel 5 miles.*
- Idling your vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses
more than 27 gallons of fuel a year.*
• IDLING DAMAGES ENGINE COMPONENTS. An
idling engine is not operating at peak temperature, resulting in
incomplete fuel combustion. Fuel residues can condense on cylinder
walls, contaminate oil and damage engine components. With more
engine idling these residues tend to deposit on spark plugs. The
resulting plug fouling can increase fuel consumption by 4 to 5
percent. Excessive idling can also cause water to condense in the
vehicle's exhaust. This can lead to corrosion and reduce the life of
the exhaust system. On the other hand, frequent restarting has
little impact on engine components such as the starter motor and the
battery.*
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Reduce vehicle warm-up idling to 30 seconds, yes,
even in subfreezing temperatures. Driving away slowly to moderately
to get lubricants flowing is best for the engine. And the only way
to warm up the transmission, wheel-bearings, steering, suspension,
and tires is to drive.*
- Turn off your engine when you are parked or
stopped (except in traffic) for more than 10 seconds.*
- Avoid using a remote vehicle starter, which
encourages unnecessary idling.
- Consider the purchase of a gas/electric hybrid
vehicle which seldom idles when stopped.
- Spread the word to family and friends.
† American Lung Association
*
Natural Resources Canada & Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
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