You might not think twice about leaving your engine running while waiting for someone or sitting in traffic - but that simple habit could be quietly costing you.

According to energy and automotive efficiency experts, unnecessary idling can use up to 2 litres of fuel per hour, depending on the vehicle and conditions. That means wasted money, extra emissions, and avoidable engine wear - all from staying still.

Why idling is bad for your engine

When your engine runs without moving, it doesn’t reach optimal operating temperatures. This leads to incomplete fuel combustion, leaving behind carbon deposits that slowly build up on pistons, valves, and injectors. Over time, those deposits reduce power, clog critical systems, and cause your engine to work harder just to deliver the same performance.

Idling also increases wear on key components - particularly the engine oil, which can become contaminated more quickly when the engine isn’t running efficiently. The result? Higher maintenance costs, reduced lifespan, and poorer fuel economy.

The environmental and financial impact

Beyond the wear and tear, idling wastes fuel and contributes to avoidable emissions. A 10-minute idle every day adds up to over 60 hours of unnecessary engine time per year - that’s hundreds of dollars in wasted fuel and additional CO₂ released into the atmosphere. Multiply that by every driver on the road, and the environmental footprint is staggering.

How to protect your engine from everyday habits

The good news: you can counteract the impact of idling and everyday driving with simple, preventative maintenance.

One Shot Concentrated Fuel System Cleaner

Keeps injectors and intake systems free of carbon build-up, improving throttle response and efficiency.

NOTE: For petrol engines only.

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PT5 Plus Petrol Treatment with Ethanol Defence

Improves combustion, defends against ethanol-related corrosion, and helps petrol engines run smoother and cleaner.

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DT5 Plus Diesel Treatment

Enhances combustion efficiency, cleans injectors, and reduces soot formation in diesel engines.

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MBL8 Concentrated Oil Additive

Reduces internal friction, improves compression, and extends the life of critical moving parts.

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Small habits, big savings

Cutting down on idle time is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and extend your vehicle’s life. Combine that with high-quality maintenance treatments, and you’ll enjoy sharper performance, longer engine health, and better fuel efficiency - no matter what or where you drive.

Stop wasting fuel and power. Treat your engine today. Shop Proma Performance

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