Engine Idling No More: Cutting Costs and Emissions

Engine Idling happens when you keep a car or truck’s engine running while not moving. While there are times when it’s necessary, the drivers in your fleet should try to avoid having engine idling as much as possible.

Why avoid an engine idling?

While the effects of idling may seem minimal individually, the aggregate consequences are substantial.

For starters, it is expensive: idling leads to wasteful fuel consumption. For example, an idle car can squander as much as half a gallon of fuel per hour, and the wastage for a medium-sized truck could be even higher. According to Ford Motor Company, every hour of idle time equals approximately 25 miles of driving.

Also, it’s harmful to health and the environment. Exhaust from vehicles helps create smog close to the ground, which can harm the lungs. Not only that, each gallon of burned fuel emits around 20 lbs. of carbon monoxide, a greenhouse gas.

On top of that, idling is bad for your engines:

Running an engine at low speed (idling) doubles the wear on internal parts compared to regular speed driving.
Idling prevents the engine from reaching its optimal temperature, causing only partial fuel combustion, which creates fuel residue on cylinder walls. This damages engine components like spark plugs and exhaust systems.

Stop engine idling practices!

Ask your drivers to turn off their vehicles if they’re not moving. Maybe they could even pledge to do it!
Suggest they hang out in waiting rooms at stops and meeting spots instead of sitting in their vehicles with the engine running.
Make cutting down on idling a big goal for your business and get everyone involved.
Organize a workshop or training for your drivers about how to reduce idling.
Post signs in your facility reminding drivers not to keep engines idling.

Alert technology can help you

Modern fleet management software features instant alerts that notify you through text or email about various issues, including excessive idling. These alerts offer a convenient method to monitor your drivers’ idling behavior without the need to watch a tracking platform constantly. Altogether, the best way to start reducing engine idling time in your fleet is to be aware of it happening!

GPS Trackit brings comprehensive alerts and many other cost-saving customizable features in its Fleet Management Tools, empowering you with cutting-edge technology and 24/7 visibility. Also, it is backed by live support, mobile access, and online tutoring that’s easy to master. Companies can reduce idling times by up to 45 minutes per vehicle with us.

You can say goodbye to engine idling! Contact us for details and get a personalized quote.