Idling a vehicle is not something we get to see once in a blue moon. Drivers tend to idle their vehicles, including Freightliner, almost every day due to several reasons. Idling a Freightliner is a pretty easy thing to do. It only requires you to carry out simple steps. Idling Freightliner has several benefits; you can only harness benefits if you know how to keep your Freightliner idling.
Keeping the Freightliner idle simply requires you to keep the engine running without moving the vehicle. It is quite easy as it only requires you to monitor the affairs of your vehicle while the engine is running. Read on to learn more about idling your Freightliner in this article.
Keeping Freightliner Idling
Keeping Freightliner idling means running the engine of your vehicle on a stationary spot. It is a conventional act as many drivers tend to keep their vehicles idling. Surprisingly, idling does not only apply to Freightliners but to all vehicles in general.
There are two ways a driver can keep his Freightliner idling. As a driver, you can either idle your Freightliner from rest or after work. Idling your vehicle from rest requires you to start your vehicle and keep the engine running without moving. While idling after work requires you to bring the vehicle to a stop and park it without turning off the engine.
Either way, the engine should be running while the Freightliner remains in a position. When idling your Freightliner, you need to keep some things in mind. These things will help you keep your Freightliner idling the right way and in good health.
Tips for Keeping Freightliner Idling
Here are tips that will guide you in keeping your Freightliner idling.
- Idle your Freightliner at 900 to 1200 RPM: It is essential you idle the engine of your Freightliner at 900 to 1200 RPM. It will ensure you there is sufficient oil pressure to reach the top of the engine. Inadequate oil at the engine top can result in mechanical damage.
- Ensure your brakes are working: Brakes are important when idling your Freightliner. You need to keep your vehicle in one position while running the engine, and you sure need a break to do that.
- Check for exhaust leak: Check for exhaust leaks before idling your Freightliner. You should carry out this routine check every morning to ensure you are safe from harmful gases when idling your vehicle.
- Park the vehicle considering wind flow: When idling a Freightliner, there is always the production of fumes that can be lethal if you inhale. Park your vehicle across wind flow, allowing the wind to blow away the fumes.
- Don’t leave your Freightliner while idling: Leaving your Freightliner while idling is not advisable. You will not be able to monitor the operation of your Freightliner to check out for problems. You also leave your vehicle at the risk of thieves and carjackers.
Why Drivers Keep Their Freightliner Idling
There are several reasons why drivers keep their Freightliner idling. Here are some reasons drivers keep their vehicles idling;
- Traffic: Frequent turning on and off of Freightliner in vehicles in traffic can wear a driver out. Leaving vehicle idling in this situation can save stress and keeps you ready for moving traffic.
- To warm up the vehicle: Vehicle parts get cold during winter. You need to keep them from freezing by idling the engine. You can idle your Freightliner every morning during winter to keep your vehicle in good shape.
- To set the mood for your vehicle: Many drivers like to set the mood for their vehicle before setting it on the road. It is a good habit drivers should cultivate as it ensures the good health of your vehicle.
- To build air pressure for breaks: One of the reasons people keep their vehicle idling is to build air pressure for breaks. You need to build air pressure for your Freightliner breaks to ensure the perfect condition for your breaks.
- To run some features: If you do not start the engine of your Freightliner, you won’t be able to run some appliances in the vehicle. Appliances like air conditioning systems won’t work without starting the engine. Keeping the vehicle idling will help keep these features running.
Excessive Idling
There are several reasons you can keep your Freightliner idling. You need to make sure you do not keep your vehicle idling at all times. Excess idling of your Freightliner can cause adverse effects for your vehicle. Here are reasons you should not leave your vehicle idle too much;
- You burn fuel while idling.
- Excess idling pollutes the environment.
- Idling increases the wear and tear of vehicle parts.
- Excess idling reduces Freightliner lifespan.
- It’s expensive.
Conclusion
Keeping Freightliner idling has various benefits. But you need to regulate the way you keep your vehicle idling. Too much idling can have a negative effect on your Freightliner.