• @atomicbocks@sh.itjust.works
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    616 days ago

    My grandpa drove a semi truck;

    The A/C was part of it, some truck stops even had a thing called “IdleAir” that was like a window unit so you didn’t have to leave your engine running. For semis nobody wants to sleep in a sunbaked box with no air.

    But according to him, for the really big engines, turning it off and on causes more wear and tear than leaving it running. So back in the day when diesel was still very cheap compared to gas they all got in the habit of leaving it on all the time.

    Even the cops leave their cars on all the time where I am from.

    • @CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
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      116 days ago

      Cops will leave their engines running because they may have to go into service at a moment notice. Not sure if I entirely agree the half second to fire up is going to slow their response considerably, but I’d error on the side of an exception for emergency equipment.

        • @Ava@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          116 days ago

          While I certainly agree with your overall point, I’d guess that firefighters have someone who’s job it is to start the engine/truck while their fellows are donning their gear.

          • @atomicbocks@sh.itjust.works
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            16 days ago

            Let’s be honest though; Push-to-start exists. There is zero reason they can afford all their SWAT bullshit and can’t afford to make a car that auto starts when whoever is carrying the fob gets in.