How to reduce engine idling in summer heat

“Data from the Samsara platform shows that rising temperatures are strongly correlated with idle time,” Samsara’s post told FleetOwner. “A data-driven understanding of fuel efficiency and idle time is critical for modern fleet operators looking to control costs, increase efficiency and operate more sustainably.”

Samsara helps fleets reduce their idle time by first collecting data about idle time to help fleets set realistic goals. Summit Materials, a Samsara customer, was able to save $1.8 million per year in fuel costs after optimizing its fuel management with Samsara technology.

In addition to working with a telematics provider, fleets are reducing their engine idle speed during heat waves by using idle reduction technologies, which the North American Council for Freight Efficiency describes as idle anti-engine control, HVAC engine start/stop, truck stop electrification, and tractor solar panels, among others.

Other measures fleets can take to reduce idling include things like painting tractors, such as using a lighter color to reduce heat absorption. Other options include using high levels of cab insulation, powering the air conditioning with auxiliary units, and more.