Mercedes Mullins
There are several reasons why one might choose to keep a diesel engine running while refueling. One common reason is to allow the turbo to cool down, especially after a heavy load or when the engine is still hot. This is because the turbo is cooled by the flow of oil, and if the engine is shut off, the oil flow will stop. Another reason is the belief that starting a motor without normal oil pressure can add wear and tear to the starter and the motor's bearings. Additionally, some people may want to keep their AC or heating running for comfort during the refueling process. While there are potential advantages to keeping a diesel engine running while refueling, it's important to consider safety concerns and comply with any relevant laws or regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Diesel has a high flash point, so there is a low risk of ignition while refuelling compared to gasoline. However, running engines can create static electricity, and it may be difficult to hear issues with the vehicle. |
| Engine Wear | Running the engine while refuelling may reduce wear and tear on the starter and charging system. However, some sources suggest that modern diesel engines should avoid extended idling to prevent cylinder wash down and emissions build-up. |
| Turbo Cool Down | Keeping the engine running allows the turbo to cool down gradually by maintaining oil flow. This is particularly important after heavy loads or in cold weather. |
| Personal Comfort | Some drivers keep the engine running to maintain air conditioning or heating for personal comfort, especially during short trips or in extreme weather. |
| Fuel Efficiency | Diesel engines use very little fuel when idling, so leaving the engine running while refuelling may be more fuel-efficient than turning it off and on. |
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What You'll Learn
- Safety concerns: the risk of ignition is low, but static electricity and vehicle noise can be issues
- Turbo cooling: idling helps cool the turbo before shutting down
- Fuel efficiency: some believe it's more fuel-efficient to idle than restart
- Engine wear: frequent starts may cause wear, but idling can also be harmful
- Personal preference: some prefer to keep the AC/Heat running or get attention
Safety concerns: the risk of ignition is low, but static electricity and vehicle noise can be issues
The risk of diesel ignition during refuelling is low, but it is not non-existent. Diesel has a high flash point, so there is significantly less risk of ignition compared to gasoline. Diesel fuel flashpoints vary between 52 and 96 °C (126 and 205 °F), making it near impossible to ignite without severe compression.
However, static electricity can be an issue. Getting in and out of a vehicle while it is running can create static electricity, which could potentially cause an issue with diesel fumes. This risk is small but should be noted.
Vehicle noise is also a concern. If everyone at a gas station left their vehicle running, it would be very loud and hard to hear if something was wrong with your vehicle. This could cause issues to go unnoticed, potentially creating a dangerous situation.
In addition, it is more dangerous to get in and out of a vehicle when it is running, and it is safer to have the keys with you if you are not behind the wheel.
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Turbo cooling: idling helps cool the turbo before shutting down
While it is generally advised to shut down the engine of a diesel vehicle while refuelling, some people keep the engine running. This is because diesel engines are lubricated by oil, and the turbos are cooled by oil as well. If there is no oil flow, the turbocharger will not be cooled, and there is a risk of metal-on-metal wear. This can lead to premature turbo failure.
To prevent this, some people let their diesel engines idle for a short period before shutting them down. Idling helps cool the turbocharger by keeping the engine running at a low rpm, allowing the lubricating oil and engine coolant to reduce excessive heat. This is known as the "idling rule".
The recommended idling time varies depending on the source. Some recommend idling for 30 seconds to one minute, while others suggest up to two minutes or even longer if the vehicle has been driven at high speeds or under heavy load. However, it is important to note that idling for extended periods may be unnecessary in modern turbocharged vehicles, as they often have electric water pumps and liquid-cooled turbos.
Additionally, while diesel fuel has a higher flash point than gasoline, making it less flammable, there are still safety concerns associated with refuelling a diesel engine while it is running. These include the risk of not hearing potential issues with the vehicle, the creation of static electricity when entering and exiting the vehicle, and the danger of unattended vehicles being moved accidentally or by children. Therefore, it is generally recommended to shut down the engine when refuelling, especially in locations with specific safety standards and regulations.
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Fuel efficiency: some believe it's more fuel-efficient to idle than restart
It is a common misconception that idling a vehicle saves more fuel than restarting it. In reality, the opposite is true. Unless you drive a vintage, carburetor-equipped vehicle, you will save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by turning off your engine, even if you only plan to be stopped for as little as 10 seconds. The catalytic converter, which reduces harmful emissions, also reaches its operating temperature more quickly if the car is driven rather than idled.
However, there are some situations where idling may be necessary. For example, certain vehicle types, such as emergency vehicles and long-haul trucks, require power while stationary, and idling the main engine can provide that power. Additionally, some drivers may choose to idle their diesel engines while refuelling to keep the turbo lubricated and prevent heat-soaking. Diesel has a high flash point, so the risk of refueling a diesel engine while it is running is significantly lower than with gasoline.
That being said, there are safety concerns associated with refuelling a vehicle while the engine is running. It can be difficult to hear if there is an issue with the vehicle, and getting in and out of the vehicle can create static electricity. Additionally, if you have children, they could accidentally put the vehicle in drive. Therefore, it is generally recommended to turn off your engine when refuelling, even if you are driving a diesel vehicle.
While it may be tempting to leave your engine running to keep your AC or heat on while refuelling, it is important to consider the safety and environmental implications of doing so. Turning off your engine, even for a brief stop, can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, leading to a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly driving experience.
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Engine wear: frequent starts may cause wear, but idling can also be harmful
While some people keep diesel engines running while refueling, others turn them off. The latter is a standard practice at some workplaces and is also mandated by law in some states. Keeping the engine running while refueling is considered safer by some because diesel has a high flash point, so there is a significantly lower risk of ignition compared to gasoline. However, leaving the engine running can create safety issues, such as making it difficult to hear any problems with the vehicle and creating static electricity when getting in and out of the vehicle.
Regarding engine wear, frequent starts and stops may cause some wear and tear, especially on older diesel engines with missing teeth on the starter. However, idling can also lead to increased engine wear, especially in diesel engines. This is because diesel engines are designed to operate under load, and idling can result in low cylinder pressure and reduced lubrication, causing increased wear and tear over time. Additionally, idling can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and higher operating costs due to unnecessary fuel consumption.
To minimize engine wear, it is recommended to reduce warm-up idling, especially in cold weather. Instead, using block heaters to pre-warm the engine coolant can help achieve a quicker and more efficient warm-up. In colder climates, using winter-grade diesel or fuel additives can prevent gelling, reducing the need for extended idling during warm-up.
While some idling is necessary, excessive idling can be detrimental. Idling for prolonged periods can cause a build-up of carbon and chemicals in the engine, leading to significant mechanical degradation and reduced engine efficiency. Additionally, idling can increase harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and having negative health impacts.
To mitigate the negative effects of idling, it is recommended to set an idle time limit and use an automatic engine shut-off system. This can help lower idle times and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, allowing the engine to idle for a short period (around 3-5 minutes) after heavy use can help cool down the turbocharger, preventing overheating and prolonging its life.
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Personal preference: some prefer to keep the AC/Heat running or get attention
Keeping the engine running while refuelling is a common practice among diesel vehicle owners. While some people do it to keep their AC/Heat running, there are other reasons for this preference as well.
Some people prefer to keep their AC or heating running while refuelling their diesel vehicles. This is especially true during extreme weather conditions, as the time taken to refuel would have a minimal effect on the temperature inside the vehicle. For example, in extremely hot weather, keeping the AC running while refuelling can be essential for comfort. On the other hand, in cold weather, keeping the engine running and the heating on can be necessary to maintain a safe temperature.
Additionally, some diesel engines are equipped with turbos, which need to be kept cool with oil flow. If the engine is turned off, the turbo could be damaged by the sudden change in temperature. This is because when the engine is running, the turbo is cooled by oil, and without oil flow, there is a risk of hot metal against hot metal, which could lead to damage.
Furthermore, some people may want to keep the engine running to save on cranking the starter, which can be costly to repair or replace. Others may simply prefer the sound and smell of a running engine, or they may want to avoid the potential embarrassment of their vehicle not starting up again.
However, it is important to note that while diesel fuel has a high flash point and is less flammable than gasoline, there are still safety concerns to consider when refuelling a running vehicle. For example, the noise of a running engine may prevent you from hearing potential issues with the refuelling process, and getting in and out of the vehicle while it is running can create static electricity. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits of keeping the engine running against the potential risks to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally safe to keep diesel engines running while refuelling due to diesel's high flash point, which makes it difficult to ignite without severe compression. However, some people consider it unsafe as it can reduce your ability to hear potential issues with the vehicle and can create static electricity.
Some people believe that keeping the engine running while refuelling helps with turbo cool down and reduces wear and tear on the starter. Others argue that it is more cost-effective to leave the engine running than to turn it off and on again, as diesel engines use very little fuel when idling.
One disadvantage is that it can be distracting to other people at the gas station. Additionally, extended idling can be harmful to newer diesel engines due to emissions.
While there is no federal law requiring vehicles to be turned off while refuelling, some states, like Wisconsin, have laws mandating that all vehicles be shut off during the refuelling process. It is important to follow the laws and regulations in your specific state or country.
