What does autostop mean?

[LeCorbin]

autostop refers to the automatic engine stop function. When the engine stops automatically, the tachometer needle will point to the autostop position. The auto start-stop system helps reduce exhaust emissions and save fuel. When the function is enabled, the engine will automatically shut off when the vehicle is at low speed or stationary. During engine autostop, heating functions for the air conditioning, electric power steering, and brake assist remain operational, but the air conditioning cooling function is temporarily disabled. If the air conditioning cooling is activated, the engine will restart.

[AidenLynn]

A while ago while driving, I suddenly noticed the 'autostop' warning light on the dashboard, which scared me into thinking there was a malfunction. Later, after checking the manual, I realized it was just the engine start-stop feature. In my car, when waiting at a red light or in traffic, if I hold the brake for about two seconds, the engine shuts off by itself and restarts immediately when I release the brake. At first, I wasn’t used to the sudden quietness and the lack of vibration, but later I found it really saves fuel in traffic jams. However, in summer when the AC is on, you have to be careful because the cooling effect weakens after the engine shuts off. Now I’ve developed the habit of only using this feature during very long red lights.

[OBrayden]

Last time I accompanied a friend to test drive the new SUV, the salesperson specifically demonstrated the auto-stop function. When the vehicle speed drops to zero, the engine instantly enters a dormant state, just like taking a nap. The key is that the restart is amazingly fast—just a light tap on the accelerator wakes it up, without affecting the start at all. My friend was worried about whether it would harm the engine, so I explained that the system specifically reinforces the starter and battery, and frequent start-stop cycles are actually not a problem. However, I have to remind you to use it cautiously in rainy weather—last time, a sudden stall in a waterlogged section gave me quite a scare. The most practical benefit is during morning rush hour traffic jams—half a liter of fuel saved on a half-hour journey.

[DelAshlyn]

Once I borrowed a colleague's car to deliver documents. While driving, the engine suddenly stopped, startling me so much that I almost hit the emergency hazard lights. Later, I realized it was the autostop function at work. This feature is actually quite considerate—it automatically shuts off the engine at red lights to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, beginners might get startled by it, so I recommend testing it a few times on an empty road when driving a new car. Nowadays, I estimate the duration of red lights before letting the function engage—only if it's over 30 seconds. For shorter red lights, I simply turn it off to avoid the annoyance of frequent restarts.

[DerekLee]

I remember when I first switched to a car with the autostop feature, I conducted a dedicated experiment. For a whole month, I recorded fuel consumption and found that it actually saved me 2 liters of fuel during my rush hour commutes. The principle is that the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is stationary, and many cars now also come with an energy management module. The only hassle is the slight vibration during the start-stop moments, especially on roads in old urban areas with frequent traffic lights. Nowadays, I usually turn it off before getting on the highway and turn it back on in congested city areas—flexible usage yields the best results.