Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that there is no need to warm up modern vehicles in cold weather. One just has to start the vehicle as usual. The warming up is a fuel-wasting exercise, according to the EPA.
The idea of idling was relevant when cars were fitted with carburettors. With new fuel-injection technology, complex computer systems and thinner synthetic oils, idling makes little difference.
EPA said: “When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it has several negative effects, such as increasing air pollution unnecessarily, wasting fuel and money, and causing excessive wear or even damaging a car’s engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system. Contrary to popular belief, idling isn’t an effective way to warm up most car engines.”
“Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In most cases, idling longer than 30 seconds is unnecessary, even on the coldest days. The best way to warm up your car’s engine is to drive gently at the start. Remember, a vehicle gets zero miles per gallon when idling and the result is lower fuel economy and wasted money.”
EPA’s directive can be found in the free 80-page Car Care Guide for motorists published by Car Care Council, a non-profit organisation.
