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Difficulty: MediumEnvironmental Impact and Fuel Efficiency

Allowing a modern vehicle's engine to idle while stationary for several minutes on a cold start before driving off improves overall fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions compared to setting off gently straight away.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because modern vehicles reach their optimal operating temperature much quicker when driven smoothly under light load rather than idling stationary. Leaving an engine running while stationary consumes fuel without covering any distance and keeps the engine running in an inefficient, high-emission warm-up state for longer.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the warm-up characteristics of modern fuel-injected vehicle engines.
Modern engines reach operating temperature faster under a light driving load than when idling stationary.
An engine under gentle load generates sufficient heat to warm the engine oil, coolant, and exhaust catalytic converter quickly.
2
Assess the environmental and fuel economy impact of stationary idling.
Stationary idling burns fuel at zero miles per gallon and causes the engine management system to run a richer air-fuel mixture for an extended duration.
Prolonged idling increases both total fuel burn and cold-start emissions such as unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
3
Determine the accuracy of the statement.
The statement is false because eco-safe driving guidelines advise driving off smoothly and promptly after starting.
Setting off gently without delay minimizes the time spent in the inefficient warm-up phase and avoids wasting fuel while stationary.

Key Concept

Eco-safe vehicle warm-up and idling prevention
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Environmental Impact and Fuel Efficiency

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