Why do diesel owners idle their motors so much?

[blk6t]

Originally Posted by smoo

Why a highway run!? Minimal fuel burn/load on the engine, high airflow over the the radiator etc makes highway driving the easiest you'll get.
Now if you're towing three tonne at say over 60% load then fair enough as everything is working hard and more fuel means more heat.
Anything else and these turbo timers are purely for the **** factor.
Modern diesels will have an air:fuel ratio of about 200:1 at idle so it's not an issue... Our 15 litre cummins burn 2-3 litres per hour at idle.

Was just going to ask the same thing, makes no sense. Highway run should be very little effort on the engine...unless they are driving in second gear

More effort and strain to drive on local streets than a highway.