Motorists have warned of a common driving myth that could cost you hundreds in repairs

DRIVERS have been warned about a common motoring myth that could cost them hundreds in repairs.

Brits often believe that idling keeps the engine warm – helping to prevent damage in colder months.

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But it’s a common misconception that cars need to be warmed up on cold days, experts have revealed.

Instead of letting the engine idle, experts recommend the “10 second rule”.

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If the car is stationary for more than ten seconds, you should switch off the engine.

Leaving your engine on to heat up your vehicle can actually damage the car’s spark plugs, cylinders, and exhaust.

According to a study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 64% of drivers leave their engines idling during the colder months.

The research also found motorists wasted a total of £188m in fuel costs and left an 825kg carbon footprint over a lifetime.

Shockingly, more than four in ten admitted to idling the engine at least three times a week.

Farooq Yaqub, IET Council member and EV expert, said the daily record: “It typically takes less than 30 seconds to lubricate your engine once it’s running and while driving your engine should quickly reach full operating temperature.

“Excessive idling can also damage your engine’s components, including spark plugs, cylinders and exhaust systems – and an idling engine can produce up to twice the emissions of a moving car.”

They also say that restarting the car doesn’t increase fuel economy after it’s been off for a short period of time.

And it can net you an £80 fine under Rule 123 of the Highway Code, which states: “You must not leave a vehicle running unnecessarily.”

Farooq continued: “The transition to electric vehicles will be so crucial in the long term to reduce emissions from both petrol and diesel engines.

“However, research has shown that this is a clear financial impediment to a straightforward process, compounded by the cost of living crisis.

“That’s why it’s so important that the government continues to provide support and incentives for EV adoption if it’s serious about meeting its 2030 net-zero targets.”