Idle-Reduction is Important!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling vehicles use upwards of 1 billion gallons of fuel and emit tons of air pollution and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

An idling heavy-duty vehicle, on average, consumes fuel at the rate of 0.8 to 1.0 gallons per hour while a light-duty vehicle consumes 0.5 gallons per hour.*

A common myth about engines is that they need time to warm up. Some diesel engines do need to warm up but most engine manufacturers recommend newer engines need no more than 3 minutes of warm-up time.**

There are many idle reduction technologies for heavy-duty vehicles. EPA research shows that technologies such as auxiliary power units, automatic engine stop-start controls, cab and block heaters and truck stop electrification can reduce idling fuel consumption by 96% and nitrogen oxides emissions by up to 99%. Light- and Medium-Duty Idle Reduction Technologies include coolant heaters, air heaters, and energy recovery systems.

Idling can also be reduced through changing our driving behavior! You can tuirn off the engine when parked for more than a minute, avoid using a remote vehicle starter and avoid drive-thrus!

Colorado has several idling laws and regulations – visit EERE's Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center website to see them!

*While these rates are based on a variety of data sources, including reports from the U.S. EPA and Argonne National Laboratory, actual rates can vary depending on specific vehicles.

** Drivers should check their engine manufacturer's recommendations and/or owner's manual about guidelines for engine warm-up.