Auxiliary Power Units Archives - Page 4 of 4

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Truck Engine Idle

Last time we discussed the many advantages to having an auxiliary power unit (APU) for your trucks. Key among these reasons is that it helps reduce idling time. Not only can this be an expensive proposition for your company and your fleet, idling also negatively impacts drivers in the following ways:

It reduces your gas efficiency: If you own a fleet of trucks then fuel is one of your biggest operational costs. Idling waste fuel since your truck is not fully in operation while the engine is still running. And since it is not always practical to completely turn off your engine in every situation in order to save gas, an APU unit can help you reduce fuel costs.
Contributes to better air quality: The quality of the air we breathe should be important to all of us. As a responsible truck driver/fleet manager, we know that you will want to help minimize harmful emissions into the air when possible. The longer a vehicle idles, the more pollutants are released into the environment. In fact, some studies show that just 10 minutes of idling emits one pound of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide is a known greenhouse gas that is also a proven contributor to global warming.
Keeps you in legal compliance: As we also discussed in a previous post, many states are cracking down on idling particularly that done by trucks. In fact, 30 states have made it illegal for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses to idle for more than five minutes at a time. New York City law even forbids cars and taxicabs from idling outside of schools for more than one minute!
It causes engine damage: Idling your truck, particularly in cold weather, strips oil from critical components that help protect its cylinders and pistons. As you know, a truck that is down cannot make you money. Moreover, such damage can shorten the life of your engine requiring you to replace it at great cost.

Do yourself, and your wallet, a favor this by having an auxiliary power unit installed in your truck or by having auxiliary power maintenance performed on your current unit. Our ASE-certified technicians are here to help your engine last longer with the aid of the right APU.

APU Maintenance and Care: What You Need To Know

When it comes to giving your truck the best, it doesn’t get any better than a top-quality auxiliary power unit (APU). APUs are a wise investment, saving you energy, gas, and money. Plus, they’re much more environmentally friendly, helping to reduce air pollution. So, how you take care of the item that’s taking care of your truck? Routine APU maintenance and care are undoubtedly the best way to ensure the performance and longevity of your unit.

Let’s Get Down To Basics

APU maintenance and care is relatively easy, once you know the basics. An APU with a generator uses about one gallon of diesel fuel ever 4-6 hours. A unit without a generator consumes about one gallon every 3-4 hours. Your auxiliary power unit should be serviced every 600-1000 hours (about 4-6 months) to maintain optimum performance. In between these check-ups, keep an eye out for cracks and/or corrosion on the mounts, radiator, connectors, and seals. Be sure to regularly wash and rinse your unit to keep out debris buildup.

And, of course, you want to start off right with a high-quality brand APU to give you the most for your investment. Our company carries a wide range of top-performing brands guaranteed to outperform the competition. Visit us online today to explore our products!