Does Engine Start-Stop Technology Save Fuel?
3 Answers
Engine automatic start-stop systems save fuel, and here are the reasons: 1. Definition: The English name for engine automatic start-stop is STOP&START, abbreviated as STT. The STT intelligent fuel-saving system is a system that controls engine start and stop. 2. Principle: Automatic start-stop is achieved by installing an enhanced motor with idle start-stop functionality in a traditional engine, allowing the engine to completely shut off when the vehicle meets idle stop conditions. When the vehicle needs to start moving again, the idle start-stop motor system quickly responds to the driver's start command, rapidly restarting the engine with instantaneous engagement, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
When it comes to whether the engine start-stop technology saves fuel, as a taxi driver with 10 years of experience, I have the most say. It does save fuel when the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, roughly about 7%-15%, especially noticeable during summer traffic jams. However, the effectiveness of this function depends on road conditions. Frequent start-stop at short red lights can actually damage the battery. My car's battery was replaced twice in three years, and the money saved on fuel was spent on batteries. Nowadays, many drivers turn off the start-stop function as soon as they get in the car, fearing the starter motor can't handle it. If you're driving on highways or in suburban areas every day, there's really no need to dwell on this function.
From a technical implementation perspective, the fuel-saving effect of start-stop technology is genuine. By utilizing high-capacity batteries, the system cuts off fuel supply the moment the vehicle stops, through the coordinated operation of onboard sensors and battery management systems. Actual test data shows it can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% in urban congested traffic, with turbocharged models demonstrating more pronounced effects. However, three conditions must be met: battery temperature should exceed 25°C, preset air conditioning temperature must be achieved, and steering wheel angle cannot be excessive. While this is an important energy-saving measure under Europe's NEDC standard testing, practical application in areas with short traffic light intervals domestically requires judicious use.
