Idling Fuel Cost Calculator

Calculate how much fuel and money you waste idling your vehicle. See the annual cost of warming up your car or sitting in traffic.

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A typical car uses 0.16 to 0.5 gallons per hour idling, depending on engine size. Modern fuel-injected engines only need 30 seconds to warm up — extended idling wastes fuel and increases engine wear. If you will be stopped for more than 60 seconds (except in traffic), it is more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart. Many newer vehicles have auto stop-start systems for this reason. Idling also produces unnecessary emissions.

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the CarCalcs Editorial Team