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When trucks are idling, they burn fuel so it stands to reason that turning off the engine will save fuel dollars - but there are other issues related to limiting idle time
While old habits are hard to break, idling diesels for creature comforts is one that definitely should be. Fuel economy, excessive emissions and engine durability all demand that idling be limited.
According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, truck idling consumes approximately 960 million gallons of diesel fuel each year. Based on EPA testing of idling heavy-duty diesel engines, the average tractor consumes 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour. While idling times fluctuate, the agency also notes, truck driver surveys and an evaluation of engine data suggest idling times in the range of 30 percent to 40 percent of total engine operating time.
Trucks, of course, idle primarily for driver comfort, including the need to cool or heat the cab and to operate onboard convenience items. In extremely cold weather, drivers will also idle engines to prevent fuel from gelling.
Beyond the cost of fuel used for idling and the harmful emissions generated by this practice, there is also a measurable impact of idling on engines in terms of maintenance and wear. Long-duration idling causes rapid oil and oil filter deterioration and consequently increases the need for frequent oil and filter changes.
A primary tool for reducing engine idling for fleets is the control capability of engine electronics. Included are idle timers and automatic start-stop control capabilities that can sense sleeper temperature and turn the engine on to run HVAC systems when the cab is too warm or cold. In general, by limiting engine idle time, fleets can benefit from cost savings. Concurrently, effective driver training and awareness programs have proven to help reduce idling in many fleets.
Measuring payback
Numerous other technologies are also available to fleets for reducing engine idle time. To evaluate the cost savings and payback potential of these systems, Recommended Practice...