How to Turn Off the Start-Stop Function in a Golf?

[MayaRose]

To turn off the start-stop function in a Golf, follow these steps: 1. Locate the automatic start-stop AOFF button on the upper left side of the gear lever handle in the Golf; 2. Press the AOFF button to complete the process. 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 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.

[DeWilliam]

Every time I drive, I find the auto start-stop feature in my Volkswagen Golf quite annoying, especially in traffic jams where the engine repeatedly starts and stops, making the car feel shaky and the ride less comfortable. The method to turn it off is actually simple: after starting the car, look for a small button near the steering wheel on the center console with an icon resembling a circle with an 'A' inside. Pressing it to light up or turn off the indicator means the feature is disabled, so the engine won’t automatically shut off after each stop. I’ve gotten into the habit of turning it off as soon as I get in the car, not just because of the vibration but also because I’ve heard frequent start-stops might accelerate battery wear, especially in older cars where battery aging increases the risk of starting difficulties. Some fellow drivers suggest regularly checking the battery’s condition, and disabling the start-stop feature can reduce strain, leading to better long-term stability. However, I haven’t noticed much difference in fuel efficiency—just a slight average fuel savings, which isn’t worth sacrificing driving comfort. After driving my Golf for a few years, I’ve concluded: making it a habit to disable the start-stop feature makes the ride smoother and reduces hassle on the road.

[OEthan]

From a technical perspective, I understand that the Volkswagen Golf's auto start-stop system saves fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when the car is stationary via sensors. However, turning it off can actually be beneficial. After starting the car, simply locate the start-stop button on the driver's side dashboard and press it once to deactivate the system—indicated by the light turning off. It's a straightforward process to disable it. I often come across reports stating that frequent start-stop cycles can wear out the starter motor, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs, especially in older cars where battery voltage fluctuations make the system unstable. Turning it off not only protects the starter components but also results in smoother driving, particularly in areas with many traffic lights, as the car won’t constantly shut off and restart, significantly improving comfort. I recommend that drivers use it based on their actual driving scenarios: if frequently driving in urban areas with lots of stops, it’s better to turn it off; on highways, keeping it on is fine. Overall, maintaining a simple habit works best.

[OAngela]

I've always found the auto start-stop feature uncomfortable while driving, especially the initial jolt upon restarting which is quite annoying. The way to turn it off is simple: after starting the car, locate and press the button in the center console area. For most Golf models, the button is located near the steering column. I do this every time because aside from the driving experience, I'm also concerned that in urban traffic congestion, the repeated engine starts and stops might drain the battery faster and even affect the lifespan of the starting system. There's no harm in turning it off temporarily, and the drive becomes much smoother.