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This can be achieved by reducing the use of vehicles, especially older ones that produce the most pollutants, by economical driving, the so-called by eco-driving, but also by avoiding idling whenever possible.
 

There are several misconceptions about idling. One of them is that the engine is protected from wear while idling, because turning it off and on is more damaging. However, the opposite is true. In modern cars, idling actually increases engine wear because it results in incomplete fuel combustion and residue build-up. These subsequently cause damage to the cylinders and the exhaust system.
 

Another misconception is that the engine must be warmed up while idling before driving, however in modern vehicles the engine will reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly if it is put into a gentle drive immediately after starting. Idling is an inefficient way to warm up the engine, also because the vehicle consists of many moving parts. A better way to warm up the transmission, tires, suspension, steering and wheel bearings is to simply drive slowly. The catalytic converter, which reduces emissions, starts working much earlier if the car starts immediately after starting. Most car manufacturers recommend avoiding idling on the coldest days and continuing to drive smoothly after standing still for about 30 seconds. Not only will the engine warm up faster by being active, but the interior of the vehicle will also heat up faster. Similarly, modern gasoline and diesel vehicles will not be harmed if you turn their engine off and on more often. Starters and batteries are much more durable today than they were in the past.
 

An idling engine burns fuel less efficiently and can produce up to twice as many emissions as a moving car. Harmful emissions such as sulfur dioxide, solid particles and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is especially important to pay attention to idling near schools and kindergartens. Children are more sensitive to air pollution because they breathe 50% more air per kilogram of body weight than adults. Research shows that exposing children to high levels of air pollution can disrupt proper lung development, cause behavioral and mental health problems. Regular exposure to exhaust gases can worsen asthma and allergies, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Higher levels of air pollution can be linked to increased school absences, hospital visits and even premature deaths.

In addition, when idling, fumes are often sucked into the car cabin, not only when the window is open, which harms the driver not only himself, but also other people in his immediate vicinity. The air in the car can be more polluted than the air outside. You have to be careful about this, for example, in poorly ventilated spaces, such as underground garages of shopping centers, but also drive-in businesses, where cars usually wait behind them with their engines running.
 

Do not forget that idling is prohibited in Slovakia. According to the Road Traffic Act (8/2009 §4 Duties of the driver, paragraph 2 m), a driver who leaves a stationary car running faces a fine of up to €20. This includes, for example, warming up the engine or waiting for a passenger. In Austria, fines are much higher, up to €150.
 

When should the engine be turned off?
 

The engine must be switched off if the car is parked. This does not apply if it is stopped at traffic lights or in front of a pedestrian crossing, or if the vehicle has broken down and it is necessary to leave the engine running to repair it.
 

Examples of situations when idling should not happen:

• When the car is parked on the side of the road but not in traffic.
• When he's waiting at a railroad crossing.
• When he is waiting in front of a school, shop, or other establishment.

The engine may not be running if the car is parked waiting for someone or in traffic and has not moved for a long time. Idling the engine while stationary wastes fuel and can increase engine wear.
 

Traffic represents local air pollution and each of us has the opportunity to influence the level of this pollution with our decisions. By turning off the engine when it is practical and safe, we protect the air, save money and, last but not least, our health. Ideally, one can limit driving and prefer walking or cycling if possible.
 

Finally, read the most common myths about idling and their explanation.

Idling - Myths and facts
1. Myth: The engine must warm up while idling, especially in cold weather.
Fact: Modern vehicles do not need heating unless temperatures drop below -18°C. In fact, idling in cold weather can be more difficult on the engine. The best way to warm up the engine is to drive slowly and gently for the first few minutes.

2. Myth: Idling is good for the engine.
Fact: Prolonged idling can damage the vehicle. The engine does not operate at maximum temperature. When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, the fuel is incompletely burned, or only partially burned. This leads to the accumulation of fuel residues that damage engine parts and reduce the life of the car. Likewise, incomplete combustion produces more harmful emissions that are released into the air.

3. Myth: Frequent starting and stopping of the engine causes more air pollution than leaving the engine running. Fact: In fact, turning off the engine and restarting it after a minute causes less pollution. An idling engine burns fuel less efficiently and can produce up to twice as many emissions as a moving car.

4. Myth: Turning the engine off and on uses more fuel than idling.
Fact: Modern engines require a lot less fuel to start than some drivers think. During just 30 seconds of idling, more fuel is consumed than when the engine is restarted. Up to 2 liters of fuel are used per hour when idling (although this varies by engine type and size). Running the car engine for just two minutes is the same as driving the car 1.5 km. It may not seem like much, but a few minutes of idling every day can add up to a few euros a week.

5. Myth: If it's cold outside, you need to run the engine to stay warm.
Fact: The engine stays warm for 30-60 minutes after it is turned off.

6. Myth: I have my car under control, idling in front of the house.
Fact: While you leave your car idling in front of your house while you wait in the warmth of your home for the engine/interior of the vehicle to warm up, you are giving thieves an opportunity to steal it from you.
Never leave your car engine idling in a garage with the garage door closed and limited ventilation. Even a few minutes of idling in this confined space can create a high concentration of carbon monoxide that can be fatal to everyone around.

7. Myth: If a car is idling for just a few minutes, it does not harm the environment.
Fact: Whether you're warming up your car's engine in front of your house or standing in a traffic jam, just 10 minutes of idling will unnecessarily release 0.5 kg of harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and at the same time release a significant amount of pollutants.

8. Myth: In order for the battery to be fully charged, the engine must remain on.
Fact: Batteries have envolved, modern batteries now take much less time to charge.