Motorists are being warned that they could be causing damage to their engines by trying to keep warm in winter. According to a new survey, the average motorist leaves their car running for 244 minutes in the winter.
But experts have warned that petrol and diesel drivers could be causing serious damage to their engines through idling. Not only that, but an engine that is not driving the car also produces more emissions.
And motorists sitting in their cars waiting, perhaps to pick a child up from school while keeping warm, may also fall victim to a fine - because it is in fact illegal. Overall it is estimated that drivers with a petrol or diesel vehicle are squandering a combined £188million on fuel costs while idling over winter, the Express reports.
Read more: RAC issues warning to drivers filling car with petrol or diesel in coming days
The study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), found that 64 per cent of drivers let their engine idle during the colder months. More than four in 10 admitted to doing so at least three times per week.
More than a million motorists idle every single day during winter, producing a carbon footprint over a lifetime of 825kg. Known as stationary idling, Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits leaving your engine on when it is not needed.
This act enforces Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states “you must not leave a vehicle’s engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road”. If you do leave your engine idle, you could face a fine upwards of £20.
Farooq Yaqub, Member of the IET’s Council and EV expert, said: “It only typically takes less than 30 seconds to lubricate your engine once running and when driving, your engine should quickly reach full operating temperature. Excessive idling can also actually damage your engine’s components, including spark plugs, cylinders and exhaust systems – and an idling engine can produce up to twice the emissions of a car in motion.”
He added: “The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will be so critical in the long-term in helping reduce emissions from petrol and diesel engines. Yet the research has demonstrated a clear financial barrier to this being a straightforward process, amplified by the cost-of-living crisis.
"This is why it’s so important that the Government provides further support and incentives for EV uptake if they are serious about meeting their 2030 net zero goals.”
The Government is still planning on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel internal combustion engine vehicles in just under seven years. A similar ban will apply to hybrid vehicles in 2035, the same year when most EU countries are set to ban ICE vehicles.
To help Britons save money and the planet in the meantime, the IET has developed some tips to help lower motorists’ winter idling carbon footprint. One of them is the 10-second rule. If the car is going to be stationary for more than 10 seconds, it is best to turn off the engine.
The IET said restarting the car does not increase fuel consumption after it has been off for a short period of time. Alternatively, if their vehicle has the stop/start technology, they should make sure it is always turned on.
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