Is the Auto Start-Stop Function Useful?
3 Answers
Auto start-stop function is useful. It can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve fuel economy. Here are some precautions when using the engine auto start-stop: 1. Turn off start-stop in traffic jams: Repeated start-stop not only increases fuel consumption but also adds burden to the engine. 2. Turn off start-stop on slopes: Although the auto start-stop time is very brief, the engine start-stop on slopes may cause insufficient brake assistance. 3. Turn off start-stop when using air conditioning: Because the air conditioning requires relatively high power consumption, and when the engine is stopped, the vehicle's power may not be enough to drive the air conditioning, making passengers feel uncomfortable. 4. Turn off start-stop when wading: When the vehicle is wading, the speed is relatively low. At this time, once the brake is stepped on, the auto start-stop will intervene, and the engine will stop working, then the exhaust pipe will have negative atmospheric pressure, which will cause water to flow into the exhaust pipe. If the engine is started again, it will seriously damage the engine.
As a driver who has long been concerned about environmental issues, I find the auto start-stop feature extremely useful. In congested urban areas, when the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine automatically shuts off, significantly reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Based on my observations, in stop-and-go traffic, every 10 times waiting at a red light can save 0.1 liters of gasoline, amounting to dozens of liters saved over a year and reducing my carbon footprint. This not only helps me save on fuel costs but also contributes to environmental protection. However, the slight jolt during restart can sometimes be uncomfortable, but overall the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially in this era emphasizing energy conservation and emission reduction—this feature is intelligently designed. I recommend turning it off on highways or smooth roads and only enabling it in city centers to maximize benefits. In daily use, the system automatically adjusts in coordination with air conditioning and audio operation, ensuring no compromise in comfort.
As a daily commuter, I often drive through congested urban areas, and the auto start-stop system has indeed helped me save a lot on fuel costs. Initially, the engine shutting off and restarting felt a bit abrupt, but I got used to it over time. Data shows it can save 5%-10% on fuel consumption—for example, my monthly fuel expenses have dropped by 10%. The downside is that if the traffic light is very short or there's a slight hesitation when starting, it might cause a minor delay. Also, in summer when the AC is on, the cooling response is a bit slower after restarting, but as long as the car is in good condition, it's not a big issue. Overall, it's very practical in stop-and-go traffic, effectively reducing engine idling waste. I often manually control it—turning it off on highways and enabling it in the city—to make driving more efficient and economical.
