I don't understand why some people allow their vehicles to sit and idle for long periods of time. I understand if it's very hot or cold, you have to sit in it for a while, and you need the a/c or the heat, but if it's comfortable outside and you have to wait in your car, roll the windows down and turn it off. Don't people understand that oil is a finite resource?

At my dd's school, some people (including myself) arrive early to wait in car line. I roll my windows down and turn my car off, but some people will let their car idle for a long time, sometimes for as long as an hour! Also, I've noticed people at Sonic Drive-In sitting in their idling car while they're eating. They're in the shade, there's a nice breeze blowing, so why can't they roll their windows down and turn their cars off?

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Every time we start thinking we're the center of the universe, the universe turns around and says with a slightly distracted air, "I'm sorry. What'd you say your name was again?" ~ Margaret Maron

I don't notice that around here...

It's a good gripe. I watched a show on the energy saving things that people were doing in Japan (this was years ago, prior to our high gas prices) they had groups of people who would walk out into the streets when the traffic light turned red holding up signs asking the motorists to turn their engines off while they were waiting to save gas. At the time I thought it was kind of crazy, but if you live in a larger city where the traffic lights are long, I guess that it would be beneficial.

I think a lot of it is habit!

People are so use to doing certain things, that it takes them a while to change their old habits.

Either that or they really don't care about how much fuel they are wasting.

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certain vehicles take less gas for them just to sit and idle than turn it off and re start it.

A good example of this is diesel pickups.
I also let my vehicle idle rather than turn it off when i can, the manufacturer has advised this.

I think it just depends on the vehicle and the situation.

I found this article on things that can happen to your car and the environment by letting your car sit and idle:

How Letting Your Vehicle Idle Can Cost You Big Money At The Pump

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Every time we start thinking we're the center of the universe, the universe turns around and says with a slightly distracted air, "I'm sorry. What'd you say your name was again?" ~ Margaret Maron

I'm sorry I just don't care how much gas I'm wasting, I'd rather be comfortable in my van! (at least I have an excuse being pregnant and it so hot out!)

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

We rarely do it to keep the AC running when DD is sleeping, but never more than 10 minutes.

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil:4:7

It's way to hot around here for that kind of business. If the weather were nice and I was sitting somewhere for an extended period of time I wouldn't mind rolling down the windows in the car. However, only the front windows in our van roll down so even if it's nice outside the kids would still get too hot.

I can't see turning my car off at a red light...everyone would be racing to get their cars started and going before the light turned red again.

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Jenny, wife to Brad, mommy to two crazy little kids with one on the way!