Can the Auto Start-Stop Be Turned Off?
2 Answers
Auto start-stop can be turned off. The flexible use of engine auto start-stop can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. When waiting at traffic lights in urban areas, it can decrease the idle running time of the engine. However, there are certain special situations where the auto start-stop needs to be promptly deactivated. The following are scenarios where the engine auto start-stop should be turned off: 1. During mild traffic congestion: If the driving environment involves light traffic congestion, frequent engine starts may affect the lifespan of the car battery and have some impact on the vehicle's starter motor. The fuel consumption during engine shutdown and restart is relatively high. When stopping for more than 5 seconds, auto start-stop generally helps save fuel, especially in cities with severe traffic congestion, where its effect is more noticeable. 2. Driving on slopes: When driving on steep slopes, it is advisable to avoid using auto start-stop. Although the auto start-stop duration is short, using it on slopes may lead to insufficient brake assistance and pose a risk of the vehicle rolling back. 3. Low-speed parking: During parking, drivers frequently need to apply the brakes. Many novice drivers, who may not be very skilled at parking, need to brake multiple times to park properly. With auto start-stop enabled, braking may cause the engine to shut down, which can affect the car's engine. It is recommended to turn off the auto start-stop function during parking. 4. Driving in rainy weather: Driving with auto start-stop enabled in rainy conditions can potentially damage the engine. When driving through waterlogged areas, auto start-stop may interpret braking as a brief stop and shut down the engine. Many drivers may then press the accelerator hard, which can harm the engine. If the vehicle stalls after driving through water, auto start-stop may affect insurance claims. Never restart the engine after stalling in water, but with auto start-stop enabled, the engine might restart automatically, causing further damage and financial loss to the owner.
The auto start-stop system can be manually deactivated in many car models, and I've done this operation myself in several vehicles. Specifically, after starting the car, locate the button with an 'A' inside a circle near the steering wheel or on the center console, press it, and the illuminated light indicates the system is turned off. This system was originally designed for fuel economy and environmental benefits, such as automatically shutting off the engine when stopping at red lights. However, frequent engine starts can burden the battery, especially in older vehicles or during cold weather, potentially affecting battery life. Additionally, in stop-and-go traffic, the engine restart can feel jerky and noisy, becoming uncomfortable over time. Engineers recommend keeping it activated to save fuel, but I find city driving smoother with it off. The function resets automatically after each engine shutdown, so you'll need to turn it off again every time you start the car. Long-term deactivation won't damage the car but may slightly increase fuel consumption, requiring a balance between comfort and efficiency. Overall, this feature is quite user-friendly, giving drivers the choice to operate according to personal preference.
