Fort Air Partnership has partnered with other Airsheds in Alberta to discourage needless idling of vehicles in the winter. You can help reduce the impacts of cold vehicle starts and reduce idling by using a block heater. At -20°C, block heaters can improve overall fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. For a single short trip at -25°C your fuel savings could be as much as 25 percent.
Did you know idling your car for 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting a vehicle? Try to reduce idling by driving your vehicle to warm it up, rather than idling the engine. Usually no more than 2 to 3 minutes of idling is needed, even on cold winter days! Just like a hockey player getting ready for a game, cars warm up better when moving. Avoid needless idling and keep the air clean!
Have you checked your tires lately? Keep your vehicle tires inflated to the recommended pressure and remember in cold temperatures it’s common for tires to lose pressure. Tire pressure is best checked when the tire is cold. Proper tire inflation increases fuel efficiency and reduces tire wear, saving you money!
Fort Air Partnership is encouraging local drivers to not idle their vehicle if parked for more than 60 seconds once the vehicle is warm. Learn more about keeping the air healthy, saving fuel and money, and driving smarter with free downloadable resources on the Alberta Airsheds Council’s Website.