Diesel vehicles keep engine running

[threaded]

Why do people in diesel engine cars, vans and trucks keep the engine running when they have pulled over and stopped? I see it all the time. Ten minutes on the phone by the side of the road? No problem, I'll keep the engine running. Coaches and buses are the worst.

Petrol-powered vehicle drivers have no such aversion to the ignition key. Why only diesel drivers do this? Are they scared their engine won't work?

A diesel on tick-over uses very little fuel. When it gets real cold here on the farm we'll leave the machines running for days on end so stuff isn't frozen up when needed.

What you see is also partly a mirage, petrol drivers leave their engines running too. It's just that diesels on tick-over are noisier, so you notice them more.

[TykeMerc]

Yep, even if the car is on your own driveway. Keeps the "solved" crime stats looking good.

This also applies even if there's a responsible adult in the passenger seat.

[xoggoth]

Well, probably cos with a diesel you have to wait 5 seconds for the igniter light to go out before you can turn the starter. Such a waste of one's life that is.

[Paddy]

Well, probably cos with a diesel you have to wait 5 seconds for the igniter light to go out before you can turn the starter. Such a waste of one's life that is.

Only when the engine cold. HDi s seem to be instant even when cold. I even turn my engine off at traffic lights, but I would never have done that in my Ford.