How to Turn Off the Auto Start-Stop in a Car?
4 Answers
Depress the brake pedal while the vehicle is in normal operation. The auto start-stop system will activate, and the indicator light on the dashboard will illuminate. Press the OFF button for the auto start-stop system.
Turning off the auto start-stop function in my car is quite simple for me. Usually, the first thing I do after starting the car is to look for the button on the center console, which has an icon of a circle with an arrow or is labeled with the letter A. Pressing it once disables the function. In my Volkswagen, it's located in the air conditioning control area, and the light turns on when it's pressed, indicating it's off. Some models require setting it through the dashboard menu, where you need to turn the knob to find the option. Turning it off prevents the engine from shutting down during start-stop, making the car much more stable, especially in congested areas—it's much more comfortable. Otherwise, frequent start-stop cycles can damage the battery. I recommend regularly checking the button's position to avoid forgetting to turn it off.
To disable the auto start-stop function in my car, I need to familiarize myself with the system settings. Most models are designed with a dedicated button near the steering wheel or on the center console, which can be pressed for quick activation. For more advanced models like BMW, you need to enter the iDrive system and manually disable it in the vehicle submenu. If you can't find the button, it might be due to model differences, such as hybrid vehicles where the start-stop function is integrated into the drive mode—switching to sport mode will turn it off. Before attempting, it's best to check the owner's manual to confirm the location, so you don't waste time trying in vain. After disabling it, you'll notice a reduction in frequent start-up noise and vibrations.
I find the auto start-stop feature quite annoying when it's on, despite its fuel-saving benefits. The slight jolt during restart feels uncomfortable, so I always turn it off. The method is straightforward: after getting in the car, locate the start-stop button on the control panel—it usually has a circular arrow icon—and press it lightly until the indicator light comes on to deactivate. If you can't find the button, try accessing the car settings menu via the display screen. Turning it off makes driving smoother and reduces fuel consumption fluctuations. Just remember you'll need to manually disable it again after each engine restart to ensure a more comfortable ride.
