Petrol and diesel drivers wasting £188million a year by idling

Motorists with a petrol or diesel vehicle are squandering a combined £188million on fuel costs while idling over winter. The same amount of carbon emissions would be produced if more than the whole population of Cardiff were to catch a flight to Egypt for COP27.A new study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), found that 64 percent of drivers let their engine idle during the colder months.More than four in 10 admitted to doing so at least three times per week.More than a million motorists idle every single day during winter, producing a carbon footprint over a lifetime of 825kg.Highlighting the extent of the issue, the average idle time during winter is 4.79 minutes but one in six motorists leave their car running for at least 10 minutes to get everything warm.READ MORE: EV owners warned of abuse as charge rage increases Petrol and diesel drivers wasting £188million a year with common car warming hack. (Image: Getty) Drivers are being urged to avoid idling. (Image: Getty)Although electric vehicles have been attributed as the solution to reducing emissions, two-thirds 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.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.’Rule 123 of the Highway Code deals with ‘the driver and the environment’ and outlines how motorists should follow the rules.DON’T MISSSainsbury’s implements new 50p charge in petrol stations [SHOCKING]UK drivers warned of ‘nasty surprise’ when buying fuel at supermarkets [WARNING]Drivers face huge fines for having condensation on their windscreens [INSIGHT] Petrol and diesel prices over the past five years. (Image: Express)’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 tips to help lower motorists’ winter idling carbon footprint.One of them is the 10 second rule. If the car is going to be stationary for more than 10 seconds, it is best to turn off the engine.The IET said restarting the car does not increase fuel consumption after it has been off for a short period of time.Alternatively, if their vehicle has the stop/start technology, they should make sure it is always turned on.Real-time navigation apps can also be used to help them avoid traffic and thus spend less time idling.Occasionally driving slightly longer distances at more consistent speeds will not only get you to your destination faster, but will also help the engine run more efficiently.