How to Use Volkswagen's Start-Stop Function?
3 Answers
Automatic start-stop is not suitable for use during congested urban road conditions, especially during the morning rush hour of commuting. Below is a detailed introduction to the automatic start-stop function: 1. Automatic start-stop is not suitable for use during congested urban road conditions, especially during the morning rush hour of commuting. The car stops and starts frequently, causing the engine to work intermittently, which not only damages the engine but also increases unnecessary waiting time. 2. The automatic start-stop function should also be turned off on slopes. When temporarily stopping, there is a safety hazard of the car rolling if the brake is released while the engine is off. Even if the brake is immediately pressed, insufficient braking force may not take effect promptly. 3. The automatic start-stop must be turned off when driving through water. When the engine turns off and restarts, water can enter through the exhaust pipe and damage the engine, potentially rendering the car unusable in severe cases.
The Volkswagen start-stop function is actually quite convenient to use. After starting the car, it turns on by default without any special operation. Every time you stop at a traffic light, the engine automatically shuts off to save fuel; when you release the brake or press the clutch, it immediately restarts without affecting the start. If you want to temporarily turn it off, such as when the air conditioning is set too high in summer or if it feels too frequent, just press the start-stop button near the dashboard. This feature is quite smart, but sometimes it may stop working due to certain reasons, like insufficient battery charge or heavy air conditioning use—this doesn’t mean it’s broken, just check the battery or drive on the highway to restore it. I’ve found that it saves hundreds of dollars in fuel costs annually and is eco-friendly. Developing a habit of gently pressing the brake makes it run smoother.
I've driven Volkswagen cars for many years, and the start-stop system operation is very straightforward. It automatically activates when the car starts, stops the engine when waiting at a stop, and restarts the engine as soon as you release the brake to move again. There's a center console button to turn off the function, which is useful in traffic jams or hot weather. Whether the system works depends on the battery condition; it's responsive with a full charge but may fail with an aging battery or in cold temperatures—regular maintenance or a battery replacement can fix this. The start-stop system's highlights are fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, reducing fuel consumption by about 10% for short city commutes. Don't worry about wear and tear; it's designed for the engine. Regular battery checks are recommended to keep the system reliable.
