Idling Reduction Tips

You can make a difference! Help build a healthy community by taking small steps to help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It starts with your vehicle.

Vehicles emit greenhouse gases and air pollutants when they run. New vehicles produce fewer pollutants than ever before, but they still produce carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas linked to climate change. The more fuel you use, the more carbon dioxide you produce. One of the best ways to cut fuel consumption is to avoid idling.

The Town of Essex offers the following tips to help residents reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality:

Turn it off!

Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than shutting off the engine and restarting it. Save gas, money and the environment by turning it off whenever you can.

Warm it up by driving it

Tests show that you need no more than 30 seconds of idling to circulate the engine oil before you drive away on cold days. Warm it up by driving it, not idling. (But take a few minutes to clear your windows first.)

How do you get to work?

According to Statistics Canada, 72% of Canadians regularly travel to work in a vehicle alone. When feasible or available, consider walking, cycling, carpooling or taking public transit to work.

Concerned about today's air quality?

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides current information on local air quality to help you make decisions on how to protect your health, especially during heat waves. Downtown Windsor and West Windsor are tracked at airqualityontario.com.

Make a "Reduction Rule" for your family

Reduce the amount of time you spend behind the wheel, while at the same time helping to reduce air pollution, by agreeing not to use the family vehicle for short trips. Walk or cycle instead, or combine errands into one journey rather than making several separate car trips.

Opt for automatic shut-down features

New vehicle technology can help reduce emissions. Automatic shut-down/start-up devices can be installed in older vehicles or included as a purchase option in new vehicles. Idle less - use less gas - reduce emissions - pay less often at the pumps!