* Engine size: Larger engines consume more fuel when idling.
* Engine type: Diesel engines generally idle more efficiently than gasoline engines.
* Vehicle condition: A poorly tuned engine will waste more fuel than a well-maintained one.
* Idling time: The longer the engine idles, the more fuel is wasted.
* Ambient temperature: Cold weather can increase fuel consumption during idling.
There's no single definitive answer, but here's a general guideline:
* Cars: A typical gasoline car might burn roughly 0.1 to 0.3 gallons per hour while idling.
* Trucks: Larger trucks can burn significantly more, potentially 0.5 gallons per hour or more.
Consider this: Even short periods of idling add up. A 10-minute idle could consume anywhere from 0.017 to 0.05 gallons, costing a few cents to more than a dime depending on fuel prices.
It's more impactful than you might think: Many people idle their vehicles for far longer than necessary (waiting in line, warming up the car excessively). These small amounts of wasted fuel accumulate quickly, leading to significant fuel consumption and higher emissions over time.
To minimize wasted fuel, turn off your engine if you're going to be stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern cars warm up much faster than older models, so prolonged idling for warmth is largely unnecessary.
