Engine Auto Start/Stop

[Cralis]

Hi All,

What's the info on the engine auto start/stop? Does it cause wear on the starter more than it should or is it, in wearing out terms, OK for the car? Does it hammer the battery or is it a non-issue?

And, does it actually save fuel? I don't know much about cars, but I thought starting a car was a bit of a surge in fuel. More than would have been used while sitting for, sometimes, a few seconds?

Whats the general advice? Does it save fuel? Or does it cause more damage/fuel/battery usage than it saves?

[gsd112]

I turn mine off but I run mine in sport all the time so it doesn't engage. Nearly got cleaned up at a stop sign when I went to go in a short gap and it had shut off. I think its dangerous.

[Mondaveo]

See the links below for detailed explanation. The general feeling is that stop-start systems really only exist so car makers can eke out slightly better results in the official economy and emissions tests. Maybe en masse it can make a difference to the smog in a city, but at the individual level you're unlikely to see appreciable savings.
You don't need to worry about it causing wear to your engine & starter motor or stress on the battery. Yes, it will save you a very minor amount of fuel. You'll have to make your own value call if that's worth the annoyance to you (if you do indeed find it annoying).

• Autoweek - What is auto stop/start?
• CarsGuide - Stop-start systems | where and when they save fuel and money
• AutoExpert - The truth about automatic engine stop-start systems (trigger warning: Cadogan)

[Cralis]

Thanks. It seems it defaults to On :( So even if you switch it off, it comes back on next time you use the car. That’s a bit of a shame.