How to Idle Your Car

If you're doing maintenance on your vehicle, you might find the need to idle it to warm up the engine. Idling can also be useful for warming up your car during the colder months. To idle your car, simply allow it to run while parked. However, before you do so, check your local laws to see if extended idling is permitted. In some areas, idling for long periods can result in fines.

Start the engine. Locate the ignition slot on the right side of the steering column in most cars. Insert the key and turn it halfway to power on the car. Then, twist the key further to start the engine. Release the key once the engine starts.

• Avoid holding the key in the starting position after the engine has started, as this can cause damage.
• Some newer cars have a push-button ignition system, where you simply need to press a button while holding the brake pedal to start the engine.

Bring the car to a halt or shift into park. If your vehicle is moving, gradually apply the brakes to slow down until the car stops. If the car is already in park, no further action is needed. As the car sits still, the engine will idle.

• If your car was in motion, once it comes to a stop, you can put it in park to avoid keeping your foot on the brake pedal.
• In heavy traffic, refrain from shifting into park after stopping. Instead, keep the brake pedal fully depressed, and your car will idle.

Let the engine run. If you're starting your car when it's cold, give it some time for the engine to warm up to its normal idling temperature. The duration of the warm-up period varies depending on your car model. Watch the RPM gauge; after a period of high RPMs, the engine should be warmed up.

Check the handbrake before starting the car. Manual transmission cars are typically left in neutral with the handbrake engaged. The location of the handbrake may differ depending on your car model, but it's often found on the center console.

Depress the clutch while gently applying the brake. Manual transmission vehicles have three pedals beneath the steering column: accelerator, brake, and clutch. Ensure the clutch is fully depressed with one foot while using the other foot to lightly apply the brake.

• Ensure the clutch pedal is fully depressed while gently pressing the brake pedal with your other foot.

Start the car by turning the key in the ignition. Locate the ignition on the right side of the steering column and insert your key. While holding down the clutch and brake pedals, turn the key halfway to power the car. Continue twisting the key until the engine starts, then release the key.

• Ensure you release the key as soon as the engine starts. Holding the key in the starting position after the engine is running can harm the engine.
• After starting the engine, confirm the shifter is in neutral, usually found on the center console. If in neutral, the shifter should move freely from left to right.
• Once you've confirmed the car is in neutral, you can release the clutch. If the parking brake is engaged, you can release the brake as well.

Shift to neutral or leave the car stationary in neutral. If the car is in motion, press the clutch and shift the gear shifter into neutral using your hand. If the car is already stationary in neutral, it will idle once the engine starts.

• When the car stops, hold down the brake and engage the parking brake to prevent rolling.

Keep the engine running while the car is stopped. It may take a few minutes for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature. You'll notice the RPMs spike when the engine warms up. At that point, the engine should be idling smoothly.

Turn off the car if idling for more than 10 seconds. Despite common belief, idling can consume more fuel than restarting your car. If you anticipate being stopped for over 10 seconds, turn off the engine to conserve fuel.

• Avoid shutting off the engine in heavy traffic, at traffic lights, or in stop-and-go traffic, as it can significantly reduce your response time.

Opt for driving your car to warm up the cabin during cold weather. Driving for a short period heats up the car twice as fast as idling, especially in chilly conditions. Moreover, driving consumes less fuel compared to idling to warm up the engine.

• While driving, avoid unnecessary engine revving to minimize fuel consumption. A gentle drive efficiently warms up the car with minimal fuel usage.

Avoid using drive-through services at stores. Drive-through windows typically require idling while your order is being prepared. Instead, park your car and place your order inside the store to save fuel.

• If you must use a drive-through, consider turning off your car while waiting for your order to minimize fuel consumption.

• Always remember to fasten your seatbelt when getting into your car. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality in case of an accident, and in many jurisdictions, wearing them is mandatory by law.