How to Use the Auto Start-Stop Function in a Car?
3 Answers
To use the auto start-stop function in a car: 1. Press the brake, shift to neutral after coming to a complete stop, and engage the handbrake (for electronic handbrakes, simply press the button); 2. If the vehicle has an auto-hold function, there is no need to shift to neutral or engage the handbrake—just keep the brake pedal pressed to stop. When ready to move again, release the brake pedal and gently press the accelerator. Precautions for using the auto start-stop function: 1. If the vehicle is equipped with an auto start-stop feature, familiarize yourself with its characteristics before use; 2. Avoid activating the auto start-stop function when driving on steep slopes, as the brief engine restart may lead to insufficient brake assistance during the process.
At first, I was quite confused about this start-stop function, but later I figured it out. It's especially useful in city traffic jams. As long as the water temperature gauge and battery level meet the requirements, the car will automatically shut off the moment you brake to a stop. Pay attention to the dashboard—when the indicator light with an "A" illuminates, it means the function is active. If you want to turn it off, there's a dedicated button near the steering wheel marked with a circle and an arrow symbol. I recommend turning it off before driving through water on rainy days to avoid the awkward situation of the engine stalling due to water ingress. When starting again, just lightly press the accelerator—no extra steps needed. Once you get used to it, you can save a lot on fuel during an hour of traffic congestion. The only thing is, the vibration from the engine restarting might startle you at first, but you'll get used to it after a few drives.
After driving for ten years, I finally discovered that the auto start-stop function requires several conditions to activate. First, the battery must have sufficient charge. Second, the air conditioning should not be set to maximum cooling, and the steering wheel must be straightened. The operation is super simple: press the brake pedal firmly when waiting at a red light, and the engine will automatically stop; when the light turns green, gently release the brake to restart. The indicator light with an 'A' on the dashboard staying lit means it's working normally. Remember to turn it off when driving through waterlogged roads on rainy days—the button is located in the functional area on the left side of the steering wheel. This feature is particularly useful in urban areas, especially during stop-and-go traffic when picking up or dropping off kids from school.
