Here's a myth that needs busting; "Idling is necessary to warm up your engine!" False, false, false and more false (and this applies to the almighty diesel as well!):

1. Idling engines run at cooler non-optimal temperatures. This means more moisture and corrosive acids building up inside of your engine oil creating a much higher than normal level of wear. This continues to worsen until you start to drive your vehicle - increasing engine speed, which increases operating temperature, which burns off the moisture.
2. Idling your vehicle for more than just 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your engine. Think about waiting at a railroad crossing, or a drawbridge, or to exit a parking lot after a large event, or picking your kids up at the school or bus stop.
3. Idling your vehicle for 10 minutes uses as much fuel as it takes to travel 5 miles.
4. Idling your vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses more than 27 gallons of fuel a year.
5. Idling is terribly unhealthy for children because cooler engine temperatures also mean more toxic emissions. Think about this as you idle your vehicle in front of your child's school or bus stop.

Now, for those of you beating your chest and chanting - Idle engine wear is a bunch of whooeey, especially for the "Big Rigs!" You may want to click here and read "Idling kills..." where a seasoned veteran at Detroit Diesel describes this engine injustice.

Now, if we have your attention and you really want to learn more click here: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/idling.cfm?attr=8

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