How to Use the Auto Start-Stop Function in Automatic Transmission?

[TimothyRose]

Automatic start-stop function is activated by default. Once the car is started, the auto start-stop system is in normal working condition. When encountering a red light or other reasons to stop while driving, press the brake pedal, and generally after two seconds, the engine will automatically shut down. To start moving again, simply release the brake and press the accelerator, or gently turn the steering wheel, and the engine will restart. If the vehicle is a manual transmission, the auto start-stop system is also enabled by default. When stopping, shift to neutral, then pull the handbrake and release the clutch. After the system detects these three actions, it will automatically shut down the engine. When the clutch is pressed again, the engine will automatically start.

[DiHailey]

I've got experience with this! The auto start-stop is super easy to use: when the car comes to a complete stop (like at a red light), press the brake pedal firmly, and the engine will automatically shut off, with a green light illuminating on the dashboard as a reminder. Keep your foot on the brake at this point; otherwise, the engine will restart immediately. When the green light is on and you're ready to go, slightly release the brake, and the car will restart. However, note that it might not work when the AC is on in cooling mode because priority is given to the AC compressor. The function is also automatically disabled when the battery is low. At first, you might feel a slight shake during the start-stop, but you'll get used to it. In heavy traffic, it's advisable to manually turn it off by pressing the button with the circular arrow symbol on the center console.

[ValerieDella]

Simply put, the engine stalls when you press the brake and restarts when you release it. I've specifically tested it: the start-stop system doesn't activate at speeds over 10 km/h, and it won't stall when reversing—the system is quite smart! However, there are some annoying situations: it might fail if the steering wheel isn't straightened or when defogging the windshield. Also, when the battery ages, the function becomes half-useless. Personally, I recommend not using it in rainy weather—if the engine stalls automatically while wading through water and restarts when you release the brake, you're in trouble. By the way, when the start-stop function is active, shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake can force the engine to stall—this hidden trick saves brake pads!

[JuliaRose]

To be honest, this feature is designed to save fuel in urban areas. When stopping at a red light for over 30 seconds, firmly press the brake pedal—the engine will shut off, saving more than 5% fuel. Gently release the brake at a green light, and it automatically restarts. But remember three things: first, the system will deactivate if the air conditioning is at maximum; second, frequent start-stop cycles strain regular batteries, so manufacturers equip reinforced AGM batteries; third, you must turn it off in waterlogged areas! Look for the button near the center console with an 'A' inside a circular icon. When I first got the car, I didn’t trust this feature either, but real-world testing proved it saves over half a liter of fuel during city commutes.