NEWS RELEASE
July 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dan A. Nelson, ORCAA Public Information Officer, Ext. 111
Anti-Idling: Simple Steps to Cleaner Air
Automobiles are a leading source of air pollution throughout the year, especially during summer months when the threat of smog production rises.
Fortunately, there are ways residents can reduce their automobile emissions. One very simple way is to cut their idling time. Idling engines produce more pollution, and keep it more concentrated, then when driving.
A simple rule to live by is that if you will be idling for more than 20 seconds, turn off the engine. This simple act will save you gas and reduce air pollution. Cutting your idling time may also help your auto's engine. That fact runs counter to some of the myths that persist about engine idling.
Some of those myths were true for older cars with very simplistic engines, but don't fit with today's modern engines. Here are a few of the myths associated with engine idling, and the reality of those myths.
Myth:
The engine should be warmed up for long periods before driving.
Reality: Idling is not an effective way to warm up your vehicle, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the vehicle. With today's modern engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before starting to drive.
Myth: Idling is good for your engine.
Reality: Excessive idling can actually damage your engine's components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system.
Myth: Shutting off and restarting your vehicle is hard on the engine and uses more gas than if you leave it running.
Reality: Frequent restarting has little impact on engine components such as the battery and starter motor. Component wear caused by restarting the engine is estimated to add $10 per year to the cost of driving, money that will likely be recovered several times over in fuel savings from reduced idling. More than 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
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The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency protects and enhances air quality for citizens in Thurston, Mason, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, and Pacific counties by enforcing federal, state and local air quality regulations. If you have questions specific to the topic above, or just general questions about local air quality, contact ORCAA at (360) 586-1044 or 1-800-422-5623, or visit ORCAA's website, www.orcaa.org.