One of the major producers of greenhouse gases is our cars -- yours and mine, in particular. The less our car run, the better the planet's atmosphere.

One litre of fuel produces about 2.4 kilos of carbon dioxide gas --most vehicles produce about three times their own weight in COs per year. This would suggest we use our cars less -- share rides, use public transit if it's available -- or the alternatives of walking and cycling.

It also means less idling.

Sure, our winters are severe, but idling the car to warm it up is false economy. The best way to warm up the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, etc. is to drive the car slowly for a few moments.

Idling's benefit is to heat up the inside of the car for our convenience -- is it worth polluting the atmosphere for this, or is it wiser to wear warmer gloves, a good hat and scarf?

Idling is very expensive, not only in fuel but in engine foul-up down the road. At idle, the engine doesn't reach its optimum operating temperature and fuel doesn't burn efficiently, causing fouling inside the engine and even more pollution blowing out the exhaust pipe.

Most drivers add about $75 a year to their fuel bill just for the pleasure of idling. Long-term costs for engine maintenance and repair increases the bill.

Most experts agree that ten seconds is the threshold for idling -- waiting any longer means the engine should be shut off.

Some cities are planning bylaws to this effect; Ottawa, for example, will be handing out tickets this summer. Other jurisdictions are looking at thirty seconds. This means that in those towns and cities, cars with engines running outside a store will get ticketed -- summer or winter.

Dad sitting in the car running the engine to listen to the radio while waiting for Mom to do her shopping will get himself a ticket. Go into the heated or air conditioned store, Dad.

Experts advise using a block heater on cold mornings, and letting the car idle no more than two minutes to warm up the engine, remote starter or not. Leave the block heater on no more than two hours, not all night.

And, sure, summer heat can be oppressive, but idling the car to keep the air conditioning going is the height of arrogance. Such drivers are willing to sacrifice the health of the planet for their own moments of pleasure.

This doesn't apply to people who are ill, but they should probably not be out in the heat. Instead of sitting in an idling car, windows rolled up, and the A/C churning away, park the car and go for a stroll while you wait. Find some shade and people-watch. Have a cup of green tea or a glass of water.

Stuck in traffic, waiting, stopping for an errand: turn the car off. Use lighter oil in the winter, and keep the engine tuned up with regular check-ups. In summer, park in the shade and get away from the car while you wait.

Use the car as little as possible. We have to take personal responsibility for our nest, for this big, blue planet. That's the approach of an intelligent driver.

How do you rank? Are you a world citizen, or an self-indulgent idler?

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Copyright © 2007 Fred Ryan/Log Cabin Chronicles/06.07