Is the Engine Start-Stop Function Useful?
2 Answers
Engine start-stop is indeed useful as it can help car owners save fuel, but the effect is not significant. Here are the main reasons. 1. The start-stop function works well in traffic jams but is meaningless on smooth roads. For example, when driving in the city with heavy traffic, sometimes waiting at a red light can take several minutes. It's obvious whether turning off the engine or keeping it idling during these minutes saves more fuel. Therefore, the more congested the driving environment, the more fuel the start-stop function saves, but it makes no difference on smooth roads. 2. The start-stop function needs to be used daily, and fuel savings accumulate over time. However, when weighed comprehensively, the final benefits are not substantial.
The real experience of commuting by car for eight years: Auto Start-Stop is most beneficial in urban areas with frequent traffic lights. Especially in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where red lights can last a minute or more, idling the engine does save fuel. I've tested it—during peak commuting hours, using Auto Start-Stop can save about 10% on fuel costs. However, you’ll need reinforced batteries and starters, which cost 300–500 RMB more than standard parts when replacing them. If you’re driving on highways every day, don’t overthink it—just turn it off. The fuel savings won’t even be worth the mental hassle.
