How to Use the Auto Start-Stop Feature on the Envision?
2 Answers
On the Buick Envision, the auto start-stop button is located on the right side of the center console screen. The icon for the start-stop function switch button is an 'A' enclosed in a circle. When the light is on, the auto start-stop is enabled; pressing the button to turn off the light disables the auto start-stop. Below is how the start-stop system works: 1. When the vehicle stops moving due to traffic congestion or at an intersection, the driver presses the brake pedal and shifts to neutral. 2. At this point, the Start/Stop system automatically checks: the engine is idling and not in gear; the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock system show zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates there is sufficient energy for the next start. 3. Once these three conditions are met, the engine automatically stops running. When the driver shifts into gear and presses the accelerator, the engine starts and continues to operate.
I've been driving my Buick Envision for almost a year now and am quite familiar with the auto start-stop system. It activates by default when you start the car, requiring no additional actions from you. When you come to a stop—like at a red light or in traffic—just press the brake pedal firmly, and the engine will shut off automatically. Release the brake or press the accelerator, and it instantly restarts the car. This feature is a big help for city driving, offering noticeable fuel savings; I save about 1 liter per 100 kilometers on my daily commute. Sometimes, in heavy traffic, it cycles on and off frequently, causing some noise or vibration. In such cases, I press the circular button on the center console marked with the start-stop icon, located to the right of the steering wheel, to turn it off. Remember not to leave the air conditioning on for extended periods while parked, as engine restarts might affect cooling efficiency. I recommend checking the battery health during regular maintenance since the system relies on a robust battery to function properly. At first, I wasn't used to it, but over time, it's become quite handy—safe and economical.