Sylvie Willis
It is a common practice for diesel truck owners to leave their engines running while refueling. Some reasons for this include the belief that it saves fuel, prolongs engine longevity, keeps the AC/heat running, and allows for turbo cool-down, especially after hard pulling or towing. However, others prefer to turn off their engines during refueling to avoid the smell, noise, and potential safety concerns associated with idling. While diesel fuel has a higher flash point and lower flammability compared to gasoline, some states have rules against running vehicle engines during refueling. Ultimately, the decision to fuel up a diesel truck with the engine running or turned off may depend on personal preference, weather conditions, and local regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Diesel fuel has a high flash point, making it difficult to ignite without severe compression. |
| Convenience | Some people find it more convenient to keep the engine running during short trips or when starting and stopping the engine multiple times. |
| Engine Temperature | Running the engine during refuelling can help cool down the turbo and engine, especially after hard pulling or heavy loads. |
| Weather Conditions | In cold weather, keeping the engine running can help ensure the vehicle restarts in low temperatures. |
| Personal Preference | Some people prefer to keep the engine running for the air conditioning or heating, or simply to hear the engine sound. |
| Starter Motor Longevity | There is a belief that turning the engine on and off repeatedly can add wear and tear to the starter motor and charging system. |
| Regulations | Some states have rules requiring vehicles to be turned off during refuelling, but compliance varies. |
| Environmental Impact | Idling engines burn fuel and can contribute to air pollution and fuel consumption. |
| Social Perception | Leaving the engine running while refuelling may attract attention or negative perceptions from others. |
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What You'll Learn
- Diesel engines are less combustible than gasoline engines
- Running the engine while refuelling can help cool the turbo
- Some people keep their engines running for the air conditioning or heating
- It's mandatory to shut off heavy vehicles while refuelling at some job sites
- Some people believe that turning the engine on and off repeatedly can damage the motor
Diesel engines are less combustible than gasoline engines
It is generally not recommended to leave your engine running while refuelling. However, some people do this with diesel engines, especially when on a long haul, to avoid having to shut down and restart the engine. Diesel engines are less combustible than gasoline engines, with a higher flash point, making them safer to refuel when the engine is still running.
Diesel engines, also called compression combustion engines, have a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines. This means that the air-fuel mixture is compressed to a greater extent, causing it to ignite spontaneously. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, use spark-fired combustion, which can pose a risk of explosion when exposed to fuel vapours during refuelling.
Diesel fuel has a higher flash point, typically ranging from 100 to 205 °F, compared to gasoline, which has a much lower flash point of -49 °F. This means that diesel fuel requires significantly more heat energy to ignite, making it less likely to combust during refuelling.
Additionally, diesel engines are known for their durability and longevity. They are built sturdily to handle extremely high compression forces, resulting in longer lifespans compared to gasoline engines. This robustness also contributes to their reliability and makes them a preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks such as towing and hauling.
While diesel engines offer advantages in terms of fuel efficiency, torque, and longevity, they often come with higher upfront costs. Diesel fuel is also generally more expensive than gasoline, and the higher purchasing price of a diesel vehicle, along with more expensive parts and repairs, can result in higher overall costs.
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Running the engine while refuelling can help cool the turbo
Diesel engines have a much higher flash point than gasoline, meaning they require far more energy to ignite. Diesel fuel has a flash point between 52 and 126 °C (126 and 205 °F), while gasoline has a flash point of -49 °C. This means that the risk of combustion during refuelling is significantly lower with diesel engines.
In addition, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, so there is no risk of a spark causing an explosion. This further reduces the likelihood of combustion during refuelling.
However, some people argue that running the engine during refuelling is unnecessary and may be done to draw attention. Others suggest that it is simply a matter of personal preference or convenience, especially on long hauls, to avoid having to shut down and restart the engine.
While the risk of combustion may be low, there are still potential safety concerns. For example, static electricity or a spark from a failing electronic component could ignite fuel vapours. Therefore, it is generally recommended to shut down the engine when refuelling as a safety precaution.
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Some people keep their engines running for the air conditioning or heating
It is not uncommon for people to keep their engines running while refuelling their vehicles. Some people do this to keep their air conditioning or heating running. This is because, unlike gasoline, diesel does not have the same flammability concerns. Diesel fuel has a high flashpoint, making it near impossible to ignite without severe compression.
However, keeping the engine running for air conditioning or heating is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, it adds unnecessary wear to the engine. Each hour of idling is equivalent to 33 miles worth of driving. Secondly, it risks draining the battery. The engine idling places a high load on the alternator, which is unable to provide optimal current. Thirdly, it creates unnecessary emissions and pollution. Finally, the engine is running in sub-optimal conditions for cooling. The performance of the cooling system relies on there being frequent airflow over the radiator.
In some cases, it may be necessary to keep the engine running. For example, if the turbo is hot from a hard pull, idling cools it down. If the engine is shut down immediately, there is just hot metal against hot metal.
Some people also choose to keep their engines running for air conditioning or heating when they are inside a store shopping. This is not recommended, as it is a theft risk.
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It's mandatory to shut off heavy vehicles while refuelling at some job sites
While refuelling a diesel truck, some people prefer to keep the engine running, while others turn it off. Some drivers opt to keep the engine running to maintain their AC/Heat settings, especially in extreme temperatures. Additionally, it is believed that idling helps cool down the turbo and prevents potential damage to the engine, particularly after a heavy load. This practice is also observed during long hauls to avoid the inconvenience of shutting down and restarting the engine.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer to turn off their engines while refuelling. This is partly due to personal preference and a desire for peace and quiet. Furthermore, certain job sites and jurisdictions have made it mandatory to switch off engines during refuelling as a safety precaution. For example, Wisconsin has a state law requiring all vehicles to be turned off while refuelling. This is supported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which outlines guidelines for safe fuel handling and storage, emphasizing the importance of designated refuelling locations and proper equipment.
The primary safety concern with refuelling a running vehicle is the risk of fire or explosion. While diesel fuel has a higher flash point than gasoline, making it less flammable, it can still pose a hazard under certain conditions. Modern vehicles may also be programmed to detect the removal of the gas cap while the engine is running, triggering a trouble code or check engine light.
To ensure safety, it is generally recommended to follow the rules and regulations of the specific job site or jurisdiction. This may include turning off the engine, refuelling in designated areas, using proper equipment, and adhering to any other site-specific protocols. By complying with these guidelines, the potential risks associated with refuelling can be mitigated, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.
Additionally, it is worth noting that leaving a vehicle running and unattended may attract unwanted attention or even result in fines or penalties in certain locations. Therefore, it is always advisable to be mindful of the local laws and regulations regarding idling vehicles, especially when refuelling.
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Some people believe that turning the engine on and off repeatedly can damage the motor
It is generally considered safe to refuel a diesel truck with the engine running. Diesel fuel has a high flash point, making it near impossible to ignite without severe compression. There is also no risk of a spark from the engine causing an explosion, as diesel engines do not have spark plugs.
Some drivers choose to keep their engine running while refuelling to allow the turbo to cool down, especially after heavy usage. Others may keep the engine on for the air conditioning or heating to remain operational, or to avoid the potential embarrassment of the engine failing to restart.
Regarding the belief that turning the engine on and off repeatedly can damage the motor, this is largely considered a myth. Modern fuel-injection technology has improved fuel economy and motor longevity. While idling does not harm the engine, it is recommended to only do so for a few minutes at a time. Frequent stopping and restarting can drain the battery and continuously warm the engine, which can lead to issues if the engine is running on a hot day with low coolant. However, studies have shown that drivers who turn off their engines for as little as 10 seconds each day reported better fuel economy.
Although it may not cause significant damage, it is important to note that frequently turning the engine on and off will likely cause the starter motor to wear out faster. This is because the act of starting and stopping the engine involves more mechanical work than simply letting it idle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to fuel up a diesel truck with the engine running due to diesel's high flash point, which makes it near impossible to ignite without severe compression. However, some people prefer to turn off their engines while refuelling to save fuel and for personal safety.
One advantage of keeping the engine running is to allow the turbo to cool down, especially after a heavy load on the engine. Another reason could be to keep the air conditioning running, which is useful in hot weather.
One disadvantage is the potential for increased wear and tear on the starter and charging system. Additionally, some people may view it as a safety hazard or an unnecessary waste of fuel.
