Does Auto Start-Stop Damage the Engine?
2 Answers
Auto start-stop does not damage the engine. Here are the relevant details: 1. Auto Start-Stop System: Vehicles equipped with an auto start-stop system have improved starters and batteries, and some even include an auxiliary battery. 2. Causes of Engine Performance Degradation: The primary cause of engine performance degradation is wear, and more than 50% of engine wear occurs during cold starts. Auto start-stop involves hot starts, where the engine relies mainly on oil film lubrication. Since auto start-stop durations are very short, the oil pumped up by the oil pump does not completely drain back, leaving sufficient oil on the components. Therefore, frequent starts do not cause significant wear to the engine. For vehicles with an auto start-stop system, it is recommended to use high-grade engine oil.
I've been driving a car with auto start-stop and initially worried about the extra wear from frequent engine shutdowns and restarts. But after deeper research, I found modern cars are designed with these scenarios in mind. During start-stop, the engine remains at operating temperature with the lubrication system active, keeping oil circulating to reduce component friction. Manufacturers conduct extensive testing proving reinforced starters can endure thousands of cycles without causing critical part aging or failure. The battery might have a slightly shorter lifespan, but it doesn't directly affect the engine. After four years of use, my engine runs like new with noticeable fuel savings. Just remember to change the oil regularly to maximize protection.
