
The method to turn off the auto start-stop function in a Golf is: when the engine is already running, press the auto start-stop button to deactivate it. Taking the 2020 Golf as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4259mm, width 1799mm, height 1476mm, with a wheelbase of 2637mm, a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters, and a trunk capacity of 380 liters. The 2020 Golf features a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 116PS, a maximum power of 85kW, and a maximum torque of 200Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

When driving my Volkswagen Golf, I always encountered the annoying issue of the auto start-stop system shutting down and restarting at red lights, until I found a simple way to disable it. This feature is designed to save fuel, but the half-second delay during acceleration made driving feel less smooth, especially in congested urban areas. On the Golf, there's a button on the center console marked with an 'A' and a circular arrow icon, usually located near the air conditioning controls. Pressing it lightly will illuminate a yellow indicator light, signaling that the system is turned off. However, it's worth noting that some models default to reactivating the system every time the car is restarted, requiring you to disable it again. Doing this repeatedly can affect battery life, so it's advisable to check the vehicle settings periodically to see if there’s an option to permanently disable it. While disabling the feature may result in a slight increase in fuel consumption, it provides smoother acceleration and a more comfortable ride, making it a favorable trade-off for daily commuting. In short, start by checking the button first.

I used a Golf for several years. Although the auto start-stop feature is designed to be eco-friendly, it often unexpectedly shuts off the engine during reversing or turning, which can be quite unnerving. Therefore, I always turn it off. The actual process of disabling it is simple: after starting the engine, glance at the area below the dashboard or the center console—there's a small round button labeled 'A Off.' Press it directly to turn off the feature, and the indicator light will illuminate. Remember, this setting might be more practical in snowy winter conditions to avoid repeated engine starts and stops, which can lead to cold start issues and increase the risk of tire slippage. After turning it off, I noticed the engine responds more quickly, and while fuel consumption increases slightly, it’s worth the peace of mind. Don’t worry about voiding the warranty—Volkswagen’s manual also recommends customizing driving modes based on personal needs. Make it a habit to press this button as the first thing when getting in the car to ensure smooth and hassle-free driving.

I just bought a used Golf, and learning to turn off the auto start-stop is a basic operation. The steps are simple: after the engine starts, go to the center console and find the "A" button, usually located on the left or bottom right corner, with a circular arrow icon. Press it, and it will turn orange, indicating the function is off. It feels much better immediately after turning it off—the car won’t shake and restart at traffic lights, especially in heavy traffic, saving you from distractions. This feature saves fuel but is too sensitive and prone to accidental activation. A reminder to new car owners: turning it off is safer to avoid distractions that could lead to accidents.


