Engines Off
A program of the Regional Air Quality Council.
Idling is leaving a car’s internal combustion engine running while the vehicle is parked. Learn how to combat idling in your community here.
Why stop idling?
By releasing tailpipe emissions and wasting fuel, idling is a threat to public health, the climate, and wastes money.
Public Health
Every minute that a car idles, it emits enough emissions to fill 150 balloons with harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and compounds that form ground-level ozone. These idling pollutants aggravate asthma and allergies and can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Climate Change
Personal vehicles generate around 30 million tons of CO2 every year just by idling. In the Denver Metro Area and Northern Front Range, idling vehicles generate an estimated 700 million lbs of greenhouse gas emissions.
Cost Savings
Each year, idling vehicles in the U.S. consume more than 6 billion gallons of diesel and gas fuels, wasting $20 billion. Contrary to popular belief, idling for 10 seconds wastes more gas – and causes more wear and tear on engines – than turning an engine off and on.
