Pollution and air quality
Anti-idling myth busting
Idling gets you nowhere. Here we are clearing up some common misconceptions about engine idling.
Remember, as well as wasting fuel (and money), unnecessary engine idling means harmful vehicle pollution is released into the atmosphere, which is bad for the environment and our health.
Fact: Modern battery design has largely eliminated this threat.
Fact: Electronic ignitions in modern cars have eliminated this problem. Idling increases wear and tear.
True, but an idling engine does not keep a catalytic converter warm. They retain their heat for about 25 minutes after an engine is switched off anyway.
Fact: Idling means incomplete combustion, leading to a build-up of residue in an engine, increasing wear and tear.
Fact: Idling for more than ten seconds wastes more of your fuel (and causes more pollution) than stopping and restarting your engine does. This is one of the reasons why newer vehicles are fitted with stop-start technology.
Fact: Modern engines are designed so that you can commence driving straight after starting the car.
Fact: Idling creates wear and tear on your engine because fuel does not combust completely, causing damage to engine components such as cylinders, piston rings and the exhaust system.
