Idle No More!

This morning I took my cup of coffee to the window just to check out how the day looked and saw a typical winter site--a neighbor warming up their car. It prompted me to write this quick note to let everyone know, this is not necessary! Most people believe there is a need to idle their car before driving, but the truth is, only the engine gets warmed up that way. The wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires also need to be warmed up in chilly weather and the only way to do that is to drive the vehicle.

According to Environment Canada (as the name implies, an environmental company in Canada), idling your car for 5 minutes increases fuel consumption by 7 to 14 percent. With a ten-minute warm-up, consumption increases to 12 to 19 percent. Besides the waste in gas though, think of the emissions and increase in carbon dioxide, which reach similar levels. Unfortunately, idling is just one issue. When I think about rubber necking, I get my engine going as well. We could cut millions of dollars from our fuel budgets and an insane and immeasurable amount of emissions from our atmosphere (not to mention our precious time!) if we just kept our eyes looking forward on our roads and highways. With all this to consider, why do we still do it?

Like everything else, there is lack of education, but if we keep talking, we can cut emissions and reduce our fuel use and cost, which also reduces our dependency. So have respect and don't rubberneck, and the next time you find your self idling during any season, think about the consequences and just pop into gear and go. The Earth will thank you for it. Spread the goodness! D.