What are the pros and cons of engine start-stop?
3 Answers
Engine auto start-stop is a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop (e.g., at a red light) during driving. Below is a detailed introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of engine auto start-stop: 1. Advantages: It can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improve fuel economy. In urban traffic, when waiting for traffic lights or during congestion, it minimizes engine idling time. Additionally, after the engine shuts off, the electrical system can replace the belt pulley to power the engine cooling fan and the vehicle's air conditioning. 2. Disadvantages: It requires more durable starters and batteries. Conventional starter designs allow for high working currents but for short durations. Frequent use of the starter can easily lead to overheating and damage, so starters with auto start-stop functionality must be significantly more durable than standard starters. Moreover, the increased number of battery charge and discharge cycles can also affect battery lifespan.
After using the auto start-stop system for a while, I find it quite good overall. The advantage is that the engine automatically shuts off when waiting at traffic lights in the city, saving a lot on fuel costs, especially during traffic jams where small savings add up. It also reduces exhaust emissions, making it environmentally friendly. On the downside, the slight jerk when the engine restarts is uncomfortable, especially in summer when the system activates more frequently with the air conditioning on, increasing power consumption. Additionally, it causes extra wear on the battery and starter, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs later. I need to be careful not to use this feature in waterlogged areas to avoid restart issues. Normally, I can turn it off in the settings, but it's something to get used to—most of the time, keeping it on is worry-free and eco-friendly.
The auto start-stop system is quite suitable for environmental protection pursuits. Its advantages include significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions during idling, with each engine shutdown at stops cutting down pollution; for daily commuters, it makes a notable long-term contribution to the planet. The downside is the momentary jerkiness upon system activation, which may irritate the driving experience, especially in rainy weather or on rough roads where it feels unstable. It also increases the burden on the battery, shortening its lifespan and necessitating earlier replacement. Personally, I keep the system enabled by default and only manually deactivate it during long highway trips. Combined with other fuel-saving habits like smooth driving, it helps maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks.
