Why Vehicle Idling is a Problem
When vehicles are left running while parked, they produce emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change, affecting our health and the environment. Putting a stop to engine idling is an easy way to reduce emissions, save money, and protect your vehicle's engine!
The Truth About Idling:
- More than 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning your engine off and restarting it again. So if you stop for more than 10 seconds, except in traffic, turn off your engine!
- Excessive idling can cause engine damage.
- Idling is NOT an effective means for warming up your vehicle in the winter. Idling does nothing to warm your vehicle's transmission, tires, suspension, steering and wheel bearings.
- Even under winter conditions fuel injected engines require only about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes of idling to circulate oil through the engine. If your windows are clear, the best way to warm your vehicle in cold weather is to drive it - avoiding high speeds and rapid acceleration for the first 5 km.
- If we could reduce the idling of all of Calgary's vehicles by just 1 minute per day, in one year we would reduce Calgary's greenhouse gas emissions by 11,200 tonnes, save over 4.7 million liters of fuel and over $3 million!
Idling Reduction Signs
Interested in posting an "Idle Free Zone" sign at your workplace or near your home as a reminder for drivers to turn off their engines while parked? A limited number of idling signs are available from the Traffic Assessment Reception, 7th Floor, Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Trail SE, or call 3-1-1 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary for details. Or you can download and print signs in Related Links. These signs are intended as a friendly reminder for motorists. The City of Calgary does not have a bylaw prohibiting idling.
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