What are the activation conditions for Volkswagen's start-stop system?
3 Answers
Volkswagen's start-stop system activates after each ignition under the following conditions: engine coolant temperature is too low after a cold start, typically below 70°C; outside temperature is below 5°C, or cabin temperature is below 20°C when heating is on; battery charge is insufficient, usually below 60%; steering wheel angle exceeds 30 degrees; front seat belts are not fastened; parking on a slope. Conditions for deactivating Volkswagen's automatic start-stop system: The automatic start-stop system activates after each ignition when the above conditions are met, vehicle speed exceeds 3 km/h for approximately 4 seconds, without requiring driver intervention. However, the system must be manually deactivated in the following situations: during water fording; when driving on slopes (most vehicles are typically programmed to automatically disable it in this scenario); and during refueling, where the engine must be completely shut off with power disconnected.
I've been driving a Volkswagen for several years, and the start-stop feature is quite practical in daily driving. The activation conditions include the vehicle coming to a complete stop with zero speed, moderate brake pedal pressure, sufficient battery charge, engine temperature reaching the normal operating range (usually above 60 degrees Celsius), air conditioning not set to maximum cooling or heating, and doors closed and locked. The system automatically checks these parameters before shutting off the engine, aiming to save fuel, which is particularly noticeable at urban traffic lights, significantly reducing fuel consumption. However, there are situations where it's not suitable, such as in heavy traffic where frequent start-stops can accelerate battery wear, so I manually turn it off to maintain the vehicle's health. During maintenance, checking the battery life and system sensors ensures the start-stop operates normally. Sharing this experience with friends, they all find it practical and reliable. Overall, the design is reasonable, balancing safety and energy-saving factors.
I just bought a Volkswagen not long ago and found the start-stop function quite novel. After trying it, I noticed that it only activates when the car comes to a complete stop, I lightly press the brake, the battery has sufficient charge, the engine is warmed up, the external temperature is normal, and the air conditioning is not overloaded. Only when all these conditions are met will the engine shut off automatically to save fuel, which is particularly effective in city driving. However, as a new driver using it for the first time, I was a bit concerned about safety. The manual states that the system is designed with safety as the top priority, and if there are any issues, the start-stop function won't activate. I recommend installing a dashcam to observe the process and gain more peace of mind after understanding it better. When using it, flexibly turn the function on or off to avoid premature battery aging.
