How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop Function in a Vehicle?
2 Answers
Simply press the auto start-stop switch; when the light is on, it indicates that the auto start-stop function is turned off. Advantages of the Auto Start-Stop System: Fuel savings. Although the process from engine shutdown to restart is very brief, it can still help the owner save about 10% of fuel. This feature may seem insignificant during regular stops at traffic lights, but during holidays or rainy days when traffic is congested, owners will deeply appreciate it. During peak hours, when stuck on the road for half an hour, the auto start-stop function can help the owner save a considerable amount of fuel. Disadvantages of the Auto Start-Stop System: Increased vehicle costs. Cars equipped with the auto start-stop system are slightly more expensive than those without this technology. Additionally, due to the frequent starting and stopping of the engine, there is a higher demand for oil quality. In areas where traffic congestion is common, it increases carbon buildup and the maintenance costs of the battery and starter motor. The result is that the fuel saved is not enough to cover the cost of replacing the battery and repairing the starter motor. There is also a common issue where the engine shuts down when it shouldn't, and sometimes during stop-and-go traffic, the car may shake continuously.
I always turn off the auto start-stop function when driving, mainly because I find the repeated engine restarts too jerky when stopping. In most car models, the operation is quite simple: after starting the vehicle, look for the button with a circled 'A' on the center console (usually near the air conditioning panel), press it once, and the indicator light will turn on to confirm it's off. However, this function defaults to auto-on, so you have to press it again every time you restart the engine. Some experienced drivers in online groups have shared that you can buy accessories like 'Start-Stop Disablers' on Taobao to plug into the OBD port for permanent deactivation, but I recommend avoiding such modifications, as they might affect the vehicle's warranty. Additionally, some high-end cars allow you to disable it in the infotainment system settings, which is the most hassle-free method. Honestly, turning it off during short trips in heavy traffic is a good idea to reduce battery strain, but for long-distance drives, it's better left on to save some fuel costs.
