It might seem harmless to keep your car running while waiting in a parking lot or warming it up in the driveway—but idling can quietly drain your fuel and your wallet. For commuters, delivery drivers, and even parents in the school pickup line, reducing unnecessary idling is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency and save money over time.
How much fuel does idling actually use?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling can consume up to half a gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and vehicle type. That may not sound like much, but if you idle for just 10 minutes per day, that adds up to about 30 gallons—or over $100—wasted annually.
For larger vehicles or those in colder climates, the impact is even greater. And it’s not just a financial issue—prolonged idling increases carbon emissions and contributes to unnecessary engine wear.
Common scenarios where idling adds up:
- Sitting in line at drive-thrus or gas stations
- Waiting in school pickup zones
- Running the engine to keep the AC or heater on
- “Warming up” your car before driving (especially with modern engines)
- Leaving the car running while making short stops
Why modern engines don’t need long warm-ups
In cold weather, many drivers let their vehicles idle for several minutes before driving. While this was necessary in older carbureted cars, modern fuel-injected engines are designed to warm up more efficiently while being driven. The EPA recommends idling no more than 30 seconds before driving, even in winter.
How to reduce unnecessary idling
- Turn off your engine if you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds (except in traffic).
- Avoid drive-thrus and go inside when possible—bonus: it’s often faster.
- Use remote start timers wisely to avoid over-warming your vehicle.
- Bundle errands to limit stop-start cycles and reduce warm-up times.
- Use cabin pre-conditioning only when necessary, especially in EVs or hybrids.
Tools that help reduce idle time
Many modern vehicles now come with automatic start-stop systems that shut off the engine when stopped and restart it when the accelerator is pressed. These systems are designed to conserve fuel and reduce emissions during short stops.
Stack your fuel savings
Reducing idling is a great start—but you can save even more by combining smart driving habits with fuel rewards. Programs like BPme Rewards and Fuel Rewards at Shell offer per-gallon discounts, and cashback platforms such as Fluz allow you to buy a BP gift card online or use a virtual card for up to 1.5% cashback on gas purchases.
The bottom line
Idling might seem insignificant, but over time it adds up—both in dollars and in environmental impact. By turning off your engine during extended stops and pairing smart fuel-saving habits with cashback tools, you can drive more efficiently and spend less at the pump.
