Mercedes Mullins
Idling a diesel engine for long periods can be costly and damaging to the engine, the environment, and your wallet. While idling is a normal part of driving, with traffic jams, breaks, and deliveries all requiring the engine to be left running, it is a common misconception that idling saves fuel. In fact, idling a diesel engine for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than stopping and restarting the engine. A heavy-duty diesel truck burns around 0.6-1 gallon of fuel per hour of idling, with some engines burning through up to 1 gallon per hour. This can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars a week in fuel costs, not to mention the environmental impact and engine wear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption rate at idle | 0.16-1 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption rate with A/C | 0.6-1 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption rate with bunk heater | 1 gallon for the entire night |
| Fuel consumption rate with diesel-powered APU | 0.1-0.3 gallons per hour |
| Fuel consumption rate with electric APU | 0 for 8 hours, then 4 hours of driving to recharge |
| Fuel cost for 10 hours of idling | $21-$40 |
| Fuel cost for 40 hours of idling per week | $200 per week |
| Engine wear | 1 hour of idling per day over 1 year = 64,000 miles in engine wear |
| Noise level | 85 decibels at 50 feet |
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What You'll Learn
Idling a diesel engine does not save money
The idea that idling is good for a diesel engine is a common myth that arose when diesel fuel had problems with gelling in cold weather. Today, refiners use blends that prevent gelling, so this is no longer an issue. However, the belief that idling is beneficial persists. Idling can actually decrease the life of your engine, leading to increased maintenance costs. According to the American Trucking Association, idling could cost you up to $2,000 in maintenance per year.
In addition to the financial costs, idling a diesel engine also has negative environmental impacts. Idling increases harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution. It also produces noise pollution, with idle diesel trucks emitting noise at 85 decibels at 50 feet, which is considered "very loud."
Finally, idling can impact the performance and efficiency of your engine. Prolonged idling can lead to incomplete combustion, causing carbon buildup in the engine, particularly in the exhaust system, turbocharger, and cylinders. This can result in reduced engine performance and fuel economy over time.
While some idling is necessary, excessive idling can become a costly habit. To reduce idling and save money, fleet managers can invest in Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), which may have a sizable upfront cost but can pay for themselves in a few years through fuel cost savings. Operators can also adopt behaviour changes and utilise idling reduction technologies to minimise idling while maintaining driver comfort.
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Idling can cost $200 a week
Idling a diesel engine is a common practice among vehicle drivers, especially during short breaks, at traffic lights, or when making quick deliveries. However, the notion that idling saves fuel is a myth. On the contrary, idling a diesel engine for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.
For example, a heavy-duty diesel truck burns about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour at idle, which, at a fuel price of $5 per gallon, amounts to a cost of $4 per hour. If this truck idles for 40 hours a week, the weekly cost of idling amounts to $200. This illustrates how idling can significantly impact fuel costs, especially for larger vehicles.
The impact of idling extends beyond fuel costs. According to the American Trucking Associations, each hour of idling per day over a year is equivalent to 64,000 miles of engine wear. Additionally, idling increases maintenance costs due to the buildup of particulates in diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which can lead to reduced fuel economy, decreased engine performance, and potential engine damage.
To reduce idling costs and extend engine life, fleet managers can invest in Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or automatic Start-Stop Systems. While APUs provide a comfortable environment for drivers during downtime, Start-Stop Systems help limit idling by monitoring truck battery voltage and automatically starting the engine when needed. These solutions not only save fuel but also reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the engine and vehicle.
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Idling affects engine wear and maintenance
Idling a diesel engine can have significant effects on engine wear and maintenance. Firstly, it is important to note that idling a diesel engine does not save fuel. On the contrary, it wastes fuel and increases fuel costs. For instance, a heavy-duty diesel truck burns about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour of idling, which amounts to a substantial fuel cost over time.
Excessive idling can create engine wear and carbon soot buildup in the engine and its components, including the pistons, bearings, and cylinders. This buildup can lead to clogged filters, reduced performance, and increased maintenance costs. Idling also affects the engine's lubrication system. When the engine is idling, it operates at a lower temperature, causing the oil to break down faster, which leads to reduced lubrication and increased wear and tear.
In addition, idling can place a strain on the battery and electrical system. The engine does not generate enough power to recharge the battery when idling, potentially leading to battery failure. Idling can also cause the alternator to work harder, resulting in premature failure and costly repairs. Furthermore, idling can increase the need for maintenance and repairs. Regular oil changes and proper maintenance procedures, such as monitoring engine temperature and pressure, are crucial to mitigating the negative effects of idling on the engine's lubrication system.
The impact of idling on engine wear is significant. According to the American Trucking Associations, one hour of idling per day over a year is equivalent to 64,000 miles of engine wear. This can result in a reduced lifespan for critical engine components, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Overall, while idling may be necessary in certain situations, excessive idling can have detrimental effects on engine wear, maintenance requirements, and fuel economy.
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Idling contributes to noise pollution
Idling diesel vehicles emit noise at 85 decibels at 50 feet, which is considered "very loud". For comparison, normal conversations can be heard at 60 decibels, which is considered a moderate noise level. For a truck engine to drop to an acceptable level of 55–60 decibels in most residential areas, it would need to be 1600 feet away.
The noise caused by idling vehicles has been described as a daily nuisance, especially in cold weather when buses and other vehicles may be "warmed up" for long periods. This noise has been linked to aggression, and exposure to it has been demonstrated to cause hypertension and gastrointestinal changes.
In an effort to reduce noise pollution, some local governments have introduced ordinances that limit vehicle idling. For example, the Minneapolis municipal anti-idling ordinance has served as a model for other communities in Minnesota.
Fleet managers can also play a role in reducing noise pollution by educating their drivers about the negative impacts of idling and encouraging them to stop this behaviour. Additionally, investing in idling reduction technologies, such as Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), can help reduce idling while also saving fuel.
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Idling reduction technologies
Idling a diesel engine for extended periods can be costly and damaging to the engine, as well as harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are idling reduction technologies (IRTs) and behavioural changes that can help mitigate these issues.
One such technology is electrification, which uses electricity-powered components to provide climate control and auxiliary power without idling the main engine. This can be in the form of on-board equipment, such as power inverters and plugs, or off-board equipment like electrified parking spaces or systems that directly provide heating or cooling. An example of an electrification system is the EPS (Truck Stop Electrification) system, which operates independently of the truck's engine, supplying heating, cooling, and electrical power while allowing the engine to be turned off.
Another option is to invest in Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), which can be battery-powered or diesel-powered. While diesel-powered APUs may be more cost-effective in certain scenarios, they still incur minor maintenance costs. On the other hand, battery-powered APUs may not be able to last for extended periods without turning off.
In addition to technological solutions, driver/operator training and financial incentives can also help reduce idling. Educating drivers about the negative impacts of long-duration idling can lead to behavioural changes. Financial incentives, offered by fleet owners, have been successful in reducing idling times for many large trucking companies.
Regulatory initiatives and idle reduction programs are also playing a role in encouraging the adoption of idling reduction technologies. For example, California has implemented regulations limiting idling in heavy-duty commercial vehicles to 5 minutes, and the US EPA Tier 3/4 rule for locomotives includes provisions to eliminate emissions from unnecessary locomotive idling.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the engine, a diesel engine can burn between 0.6 to 1 gallon of fuel per hour at idle.
No, idling a diesel engine does not save money on fuel. In fact, it wastes fuel and increases wear and tear on the engine.
With diesel fuel prices ranging from \$4.50 to \$5.25 per gallon, idling a diesel engine for 40 hours a week at an average rate of 0.8 gallons per hour can cost around \$200 per week.
Idling a diesel engine wastes fuel, increases engine wear, produces pollutants, and contributes to noise pollution.
Yes, there are idling reduction technologies available, such as Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), mattress pads, down comforters, and sub-zero sleeping bags, that can help keep the cabin comfortable without idling the engine.
