Do you sit at the drive-through with your engine running, even though the line isn’t moving? Does your car idle in the school pick-up lane? Do you warm up your car for 15 minutes on chilly mornings because you just can’t stand to sit on a cold car seat? A warm car is comfortable, but consider these facts:
- An idling engine gets zero miles to the gallon. For every two minutes a vehicle idles, it burns the amount of fuel it takes to drive one mile.
- The average person idles his or her engine five to 10 minutes a day. In this era of fluctuating pump prices and low air quality, who can afford to burn that much gas and not get anywhere?
 Idle no longer
Engines used to benefit from idling. But with today’s technology, driving a vehicle is the best way to warm it up, even in winter. Prolonged idling can eventually damage cylinders, spark plugs and exhaust system components because an idling engine is not working at peak temperature. The fuel doesn’t burn efficiently, causing build-up.
Turning the engine on and off doesn’t wear out the starter or burn more fuel. Those are myths: Idling more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine. Idling wastes fuel and money, and it also causes fine-particle pollution, which is emitted from car and truck exhaust, industrial sites, dirt, dust, smoke, road salt and other sources. Fine particles embed deep in the lungs, causing not only asthma,but also other breathing difficulties, particularly for the very young and the elderly.
 Schools take lead
School grounds are some of the most polluted areas in the country as vehicles line up to transport kids. Research links high pollution levels at schools with increased absenteeism and lower academic performance. However, school districts throughout Indiana are takingsteps to improve their air quality.
Plymouth School Corporation in Marshall County, located in north central Indiana, instituted a bus idling policy in 2008. Rick Scott, director of transportation, says fuel costs were a factor, as well as health concerns. The bus drivers were open to the idea. “There was some concern about keeping the buses warm on cold days,” he said. “But with today’s diesel engines, three to five minutes is sufficient for a warmup.”
Douglas MacArthur Elementary in Indianapolis’ Perry Township has not only made its grounds a no-idle zone, but it also monitors overall air quality. Science students in teacher Cherie Ramos’ fourth-grade class check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored Web site www.airnow.gov every day for the local air quality rating. They record what they find and reportit to the school nurse who may have children with asthma to treat. Finally, the students display a flag that indicates that day’s rating. The flags, provided by Improving Kids’ Environment, an Indianapolis-based non-profit, match the colors used on the EPA Web site.
“This is the easiest program I have ever initiated,” Principal Stephen Craig says. “I spent $200 on a nice flagpole — that’s it!” He’s convinced that it’s having an impact on the kids through awareness and, more immediately, their health. Boys and girls with asthma tell Craig they are no longer afraid to go outsidefor recess; on green days, there’s less pollution to trigger an attack.
Dirty business — An idling bus emits a lot of grit, grime and other pollutants. (C) Marianne Peters
Other organizations, communities and corporations also have taken action against unnecessary idling. For instance, in Bloomington, Indiana University has ordered drivers to turn off shuttle bus engines if idling three minutes or more. Last summer, Carmel instituted a no-idle policy for city vehicles. The City of Indianapolis also is investigating a no-idle policy for municipal vehicles.
What you can do
Want to get out of the idling habit? Here’s how:
- Avoid drive-throughs. It’s usually just as quick to go inside and take care of your business.
- If you have to wait in line, turn off your engine if it looks like it might take a while.
- Turn off your engine on school grounds. Instead of staying in your car, hop out and meet your child at the door.
- Don’t warm up your car. We often under-dress for the weather, relying on our car heaters to keep us toasty. Dress in warm layers appropriate for the temperature and weather conditions.
- The best solution for the planet? Find alternative transportation. Instead of a car, walk or ride a bicycle to your destination if you can, use public transportation or carpool.
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