Tühikäigul

Tühikäigul refers to the state of an engine operating at its lowest possible speed when it is not under any load. This is commonly encountered when a vehicle's transmission is in neutral or park, or when a boat's engine is not engaged with the propeller. The primary purpose of idling is to maintain the engine's operational readiness and to provide power for essential accessories like the cooling fan, alternator, and air conditioning.

The engine control unit (ECU) in modern vehicles precisely manages the idle speed to ensure stability and fuel efficiency. Factors such as engine temperature, air conditioning load, and steering assist can influence the target idle speed. A slightly higher idle speed is often maintained when the engine is cold to help it warm up more quickly and prevent stalling.

Excessive idling can lead to increased fuel consumption and unnecessary emissions. In many regions, regulations limit the duration for which vehicles can idle to promote environmental protection and conserve fuel. For drivers, understanding tühikäigul is important for efficient vehicle operation and awareness of environmental impact.