Does Auto Start-Stop Require Continuous Brake Pedal Pressure?
4 Answers
Auto Start-Stop requires continuous brake pedal pressure. Below is a detailed introduction to Auto Start-Stop: 1. Engine Auto Start-Stop automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle temporarily stops during driving (e.g., at a red light). When it's time to move forward again, the system automatically restarts the engine. 2. The working principle of the Engine Auto Start-Stop system is that when the vehicle stops moving due to traffic congestion or at an intersection, the driver presses the brake pedal and shifts to neutral. At this point, the Start/Stop system automatically checks: the engine is idling and not in gear; the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock system show zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates there's sufficient energy for the next start.
I've been driving a car with auto start-stop for almost three years, and this feature doesn't require keeping the brake pedal pressed all the time. After the car comes to a stop, the engine automatically shuts off, and the start-stop indicator lights up on the dashboard. At this point, you can release the brake pedal and engage the handbrake, and the engine will remain in sleep mode. If you're driving a Japanese car, some models won't restart the engine even when shifted to N (neutral) gear. However, note two things: first, shifting to P (park) gear in an automatic transmission will force the engine to restart, and second, if the air conditioning cooling is insufficient, the engine may start on its own. During traffic jams, it's advisable to turn off the start-stop button to avoid the discomfort of repeated engine vibrations.
Last week, I encountered this situation when accompanying a friend to test drive a new car. She thought the start-stop system would only activate if the brake was fully pressed. In reality, when stopping at a red light, the vehicle automatically shuts off the engine once it detects a complete stop. It's fine to take your foot off the brake to rest, and you can slightly turn the steering wheel, but avoid turning it too sharply, or the engine will restart. The most effortless method is to engage the electronic parking brake immediately after coming to a stop. When ready to go, simply press the accelerator—the car's system can recognize the sequence of actions. The start-stop logic differs between BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so it's best to check your specific model's manual.
The auto start-stop system has three operation modes: after activation by pressing the brake pedal firmly, you can release your foot, and the dashboard light indicates successful engine shutdown; to restart early, press the accelerator or turn the steering wheel; for manual transmission vehicles, shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch triggers it. Using the heater in winter or the AC in summer may shorten the shutdown time, as maintaining cabin comfort takes priority. Once, when driving a friend's Audi Q5, even the audio volume automatically lowered during start-stop operation—these small details vary interestingly across brands.
