Conclusion: BUSTED.
Truth: For every two minutes a car idles, it uses the same amount of gasoline it takes to travel one mile, says the California Energy Commission (CEC). More than ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
Bottom line? Turn your car off.
More idling related tips from the CEC:
- Idling is not an effective way to warm up your car. Driving the vehicle is the best way to do this.
- Excessive idling can actually harm your car. Fuel residues build up on cylinder walls, damaging engine components and increasing fuel consumption.
- Some people mistakenly believe that continually restarting their cars will lead to excessive wear on the battery and starter motor. Wear adds about $10 a year to the cost of driving, which is less than the extra cost of gas your car likely uses when idling.
Have a friend who swears turning off the light when you leave a room actually wastes energy? Does your uncle tell you Hummers are more eco-friendly than hybrids? Whatever the eco myth, we'll help you get to the bottom of it. Submit your myth to SustainLane Greenbusters here!
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