January 8, 2022 – The first step toward changing drivers’ behavior is making them understand how much fuel a running car or truck is using, even when it’s not moving.
Make some simple changes, including avoiding drive-thru windows and drive-up ATMs and shutting a vehicle down while it’s in an automated car wash. Turning engines off and on – even diesels – does no harm, and starters and batteries are much more durable now than they were in the past.
“Even on the coldest days, most manufacturers recommend avoiding idling and driving off gently after running the vehicle for about 30 seconds,” the energy department advises. “Not only will the engine warm up faster by being ‘at work,’ but the car’s interior will warm up more quickly as well.”
