The cold truth about winter idling
Published: Tue 15 Nov 2022
Published: Tue 15 Nov 2022
Warming our cars is no idle matter according to new research out today.
The average UK motorist leaves their car running for 244 minutes every winter - generating a combined 107,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in the UK[i] – more than the whole population of Cardiff catching a flight to Egypt for COP27.[ii]
The study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), found that six in ten (64%) drivers let their engine idle during the colder months, with 41% doing so at least three times a week.
More than a million motorists idle every single day during winter, producing a carbon footprint over a lifetime of 825kg.[iii]
Highlighting the extent of the issue, the average idle time during winter is 4.79 minutes but one in six (15%) motorists leave their car running for at least 10 minutes - to get everything – including the interior – warm.
The research, undertaken ahead of COP27, highlights the whole-scale change required to meet the government’s 2030 net zero goals.
Although electric vehicles have been attributed as the solution to reducing emissions, two-thirds (66%) of motorists said it was highly unlikely they will be driving one before the government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2030.
Over half of motorists (55%) who were planning to buy an EV in the next two years are delaying doing so because of concerns about their finances – a decision that could accumulate 327,500 tonnes of CO2 every year.[iv]
Seven in ten (71%) of the drivers questioned said they were more likely to make the switch to electric if government grants were reinstated and 67% said they would buy an EV as their next car if money wasn’t a factor.
Proving it’s not just the planet that’s worse off, motorists with a petrol or diesel vehicle are squandering a combined £188 million[v] on fuel costs whilst idling over winter – enough to pay for more than 75,000 homes to be heated for the whole year.[vi]
This holds a sense of irony as one of the biggest challenges is the common misconception that motorists need to warm up their cars on a cold day.
An overwhelming 65% of the drivers questioned had heard this anecdote with four in ten (42%) believing it helps extend the lifespan of the car engine itself.
Commenting on this issue, Farooq Yaqub, Member of the IET’s Council and EV expert, said:
“It only typically takes less than 30 seconds to lubricate your engine once running and when driving, your engine should quickly reach full operating temperature. Excessive idling can also actually damage your engine’s components, including spark plugs, cylinders and exhaust systems – and an idling engine can produce up to twice the emissions of a car in motion.”
“The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will be so critical in the long-term in helping reduce emissions from petrol and diesel engines. Yet the research has demonstrated a clear financial barrier to this being a straightforward process, amplified by the cost-of-living crisis.”
“This is why it’s so important that the government provides further support and incentives for EV uptake if they are serious about meeting their 2030 net zero goals.”
To help Britons save money and the planet in the meantime, the IET has developed some top tips to help lower motorists’ winter idling carbon footprint.
To find out more about your winter idling carbon footprint and electric vehicles, visit IET’s social channels - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
ENDS
The research was conducted by 3Gem in October 2022 – surveying 2,000 UK motorists aged between 18 – 65.
About the IET:
Rebecca Gillick
External Communications Manager
E: rgillick@theiet.org
Thanks for your patience. We’ve upgraded our systems, all part of our big picture plan to deliver a great experience for you.
Your log-in access has been reinstated for our websites and systems but should you encounter any issues, our Member Relations team is here to support you on +44 (0)1438 765678 or via membership@theiet.org.