Should Mazda iStop be turned off
2 Answers
It is better to keep Mazda iStop turned on. Here is the relevant information: 1. Principle: The iStop indicator on the dashboard displays green when active and turns orange when deactivated. The principle of Mazda iStop is similar to the engine auto start-stop system. Under normal circumstances, the iStop system is enabled by default. When the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, the engine automatically shuts off, and pressing the accelerator pedal will restart the engine normally. 2. Mazda I-STOP activation conditions: The engine must be running and the vehicle must have been driven for a period of time. If the vehicle does not move, regardless of how long the engine idles, the iStop function will not activate. This means after one complete cycle, the vehicle must be driven again for a certain period before the system can reactivate - consecutive start-stops are not possible. The battery must also be in good condition.
I've always driven Mazda cars, and the i-Stop automatic start-stop system is quite practical. When stuck in traffic on the road, it helps save some fuel costs, especially in urban areas with frequent traffic lights. The engine automatically shuts off and restarts to reduce fuel consumption, making it both eco-friendly and economical. However, there are times when it causes a slight shudder upon restarting, affecting driving smoothness—for example, when stopping immediately after acceleration, which feels uncomfortable. In such cases, I often turn it off with just a press of a button. Overall, whether to turn it off depends on your driving habits and road conditions. For city commuting, it's recommended to keep it on to save fuel, but on highways or roads with infrequent stops, turning it off provides a smoother ride. Long-term use may cause minor wear on the battery and starter, but Mazda's optimized design ensures no issues under normal usage, so no need to worry. The best practice is to adjust based on the situation—don’t keep it off all the time and miss the benefits.
