Now that cold weather is here, you probably spend some extra time idling your car - whether it's warming up the engine in the morning, or keeping the car warm between errands. But Esquire Magazine talked to some experts and outlined some issues regarding what's best for you, your car and the environment when it comes to idling, regardless of the time of year.

Driving warms it faster

"Idling is not actually an effective way to warm up a car," says Bob Aldrich of the California Energy Commision. "It warms up faster if you just drive it". It's probably best for your car if you let the engine oil warm up a bit before you start driving, but two or three minutes should be plenty.

10 - Second Rule

According to the Environmental Defense Fund(EDF), if you're going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds, it's better to just shut the engine off. "After about 10 seconds, you waste more money running the engine than restarting it."

Idling is Detrimental

Idling can be harmful to:

-Your car : Over time, idling can degrade your car's performance and reduce gas mileage.

-Your Wallet: It wastes gas, which wastes your money. Idling for five minutes a day can add up to $50-$70 lost over the course of a year.

-Your Health : Exhaust creates air pollution, which has been linked to increased incidence of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma, and allergies. And, of course. idling a car in an enclosed space can expose you to carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.