Is Auto Start-Stop a Premium Feature? Some Car Owners Choose to Disable It – Are They Afraid of Engine Damage?
Auto Start-Stop technology, which originated in Europe, stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary, while the lubrication system keeps running to prevent engine wear. When the accelerator is pressed, the engine restarts.
In addition to the conventional start-stop technology, there is a derivative called coasting start-stop systems. In this system, the engine can stop while the car is coasting. However, this experience is not always seamless, which presents a current challenge for start-stop technology as it struggles to intelligently discern the driver’s intent.
In some situations, such as navigating warehouses or narrow roads, auto start-stop may activate and cause inconvenience as the engine shuts off. While there is initial enrichment during acceleration, it only occurs during cold starts when the engine temperature is low, and fuel atomization needs enhancement. As the temperature drops, and atomization decreases to 50%, additional enrichment injects 20 milligrams of gasoline.
This ensures complete gasoline atomization of 10 milligrams. The auto start-stop function operates based on the engine’s thermal state (excluding cold engine start-stop functionality). In a warm engine state, no additional enrichment occurs, making auto start-stop more fuel-efficient than prolonged idling. Generally, idling for over eight seconds in a stationary state is more fuel-efficient with the engine off.
However, practical implementation often fails to accurately determine when to shut down the engine. For example, in congested traffic, sudden braking by the leading vehicle prompts the driver to brake to avoid a collision. If the auto-hold function is not engaged while waiting at a red light, requiring continuous brake application, the engine will restart when the brake is slightly released.
While the original design was for auto start-stop to automatically restart whenever the engine was running and allow for intelligent manual deactivation, there are aftermarket solutions such as auto start-stop and auto door-closing devices that simulate the auto start-stop button using relays once the engine is turned off.
Some drivers find the noise during engine restart uncomfortable, especially during summer when the air conditioning is active. Additionally, numerous online rumors exaggerate concerns about the auto start-stop system, mostly originating from those who dislike the feature. It’s important to note that restarting the engine after a 120-second idle at a red light has no impact on the engine’s wear.
Some find it enjoyable to listen to music with the engine off and lights on. The technology is as proficient as your right foot’s control, emphasizing driving skill. Critics argue that without advanced driving skills, the technology is useless. Therefore, understanding and mastering the technology is key.
Auto start-stop is a convenient feature, but its effectiveness depends on individual preferences and driving habits. Many find it less useful due to imperfect implementations in certain car models, reducing its appeal to car owners. Worries about vehicle damage seem to be outweighed by the potential benefits of this feature for high-end vehicles.
