How to Keep Your Engine Idle Time Lowest as a Commercial Truck Driver

Engine idle time can significantly affect the efficiency and longevity of a commercial truck's engine. This depends on the type of trucking job and how you manage climate control. Here are some tips to help you minimize your engine's idle time for optimal performance and fuel consumption.

Team Driving: A Climate-Controlled Environment

As a commercial truck driver, you often face the challenge of keeping your cab comfortable during extended layovers. If you join forces with a co-driver, like in the case of team driving, the benefits are clear. In a setup where both parties have a right to climate control, it's essential to leverage this to save on fuel and extend your engine's life.

Use the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU): An APU is designed to provide power and climate control without running the main engine. This is particularly useful when you need climate control after work hours or during longer layovers. Turn on the APU and shut off the engine every time you pull out the yellow knob. This simple step can save significant fuel and engine wear. APU Not Available? No Worries: If your truck does not come equipped with an APU, don't be overly concerned. The primary consideration is ensuring the comfort of both drivers. For instance, if you and your co-driver are the only occupants, climate control is essential, and maintaining engine idling for comfort.

No APU, But a Parking Heater?

If your truck has a parking heater, which is a small diesel-fired furnace that can heat the cab, this presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. The effectiveness of this system depends on the external temperature:

Cab Temperature (0-50°C): In milder conditions, you can safely shut down the engine without compromising comfort. Choose to shut off the engine if you lay over or break for dinner. The chill may necessitate the use of blankets and layers for added warmth. Extremely Cold Temperatures (below 0°C): For extremely cold weather, the fuel and DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) can solidify, which can be dangerous and costly. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the engine running to prevent these contaminants from freezing and causing blockages. High Temperatures (above 50°C): When the temperature exceeds 50°C, ensuring a comfortable cab environment becomes a priority. Two people in the cab will generate more heat, making the air conditioning necessary to keep the environment cool and comfortable.

In most weeks, we do not shut the motor off from the time we get to work until we go home because the climate control needs are constant. However, if your employer is keen on minimizing idle time, they should consider providing an APU to meet these needs efficiently.

Day Cab-Only Jobs: A Different Approach

For drivers with day cab-type jobs, the approach to minimizing idle time is straightforward:

Turn Off the Engine: Every time you pull out the yellow knob, shut off the engine. This simple action can have a substantial impact on reducing idle time and associated costs. It's crucial to ensure that both the engine is turned off and the APU or other auxiliary power system is running to maintain comfort and safety.

By adhering to these tips, you can significantly reduce your engine's idle time, enhancing both your driving experience and the longevity of your vehicle. Remember, the goal is to keep the cab comfortable while minimizing unnecessary engine usage. Whether you are team driving, using an APU, or simply turning off the engine at the right times, these strategies can improve your efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your truck.