To idle or to not to idle, these are the five things not to do

As we creep into autumn and temperatures set to drop across Joburg, many drivers still idle their cars despite driving the latest models. 

There are several myths when it comes to idling, such as idling does not use much fuel and it is better to idle than to restart the car.

These may be inherited myths, as many drivers have different habits but when it comes to modern cars they are outdated.

Idling may not be harmful to your car but excessive and unnecessary idling can have a bad impact.

Here are the five things that excessive idling does to your car:

1. Idling in cold weather damages your engine: Modern cars use electronic fuel injection systems to warm up a car, in the 1980s it was essential to idle to warm up the carburettor before driving. But now it is unnecessary to do so, the best thing to do to warm up your car is to start driving at a steady pace for a few minutes.
2. Idling does waste petrol: The most well-known myth is that idling uses less fuel than restarting a car, is not true. The fact is that idling for 10 to 30 seconds burns more fuel than restarting your car. Best thing to do, switch off your engine if you are going to be standing still for longer than 10 seconds.
3. Idling drains your battery: A car’s battery powers all the electronics of a vehicle when your car is idling, the car’s battery charges slower and takes more strain from electronics. To solve this problem visit your nearest Battery Centre for help.
4. Idling burns oil: Idling for a long period of time will use more oil, meaning you would have to refill your oil more often.
5. Idling causes engine damage: Fuel in your car is partially burnt while idling, during long periods of idling can produce a build-up of fuel residue and cause engine damage. But do not stress, fuel is an excellent thinner and cleaner, which means it can wash away oil that keeps the engine components lubricated.

So the next trip you take on the road keep in mind to cut down on unnecessary idling, it would greatly help in reducing pollution.

For more details visit the Battery Centre website

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