What does the engine start-stop technology mean?
2 Answers
Engine start-stop technology is a system that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, such as at a red light, and restarts it when it's time to move forward again. When driving, simply pressing the brake pedal will cause the engine to automatically shut off after the vehicle comes to a complete stop for about two seconds. If the brake pedal is kept pressed, the engine will remain off. The working principle of the start-stop system is that when the vehicle stops due to traffic congestion or at an intersection, and the driver presses the brake pedal and shifts to neutral, the system automatically checks: the engine is idling and not in gear; the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock system show zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates there is enough energy for the next start. When these three conditions are met, the engine automatically stops running.
As a city-dwelling commuter who drives regularly, I frequently use the auto start-stop technology. Simply put, when the car comes to a stop at a red light or in traffic congestion, the engine automatically shuts off to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption. When I press the accelerator or release the brake to move again, the engine instantly restarts. This feature saves a significant amount of money in heavy traffic areas—I’ve calculated that it reduces my monthly fuel costs by around 80 to 100 yuan, making it quite cost-effective in the long run. The system uses onboard sensors to determine if the car is stationary, such as when the speed is zero and the brake is engaged, triggering the engine shutdown. Upon restarting, a dedicated system quickly gets the engine running without affecting acceleration. Of course, there are minor drawbacks: when the engine is off, the air conditioning may provide insufficient cooling, making it a bit stuffy at red lights during summer. Additionally, battery maintenance requires extra attention due to the higher demands of frequent starts. Overall, this technology is both practical and eco-friendly, making it a worthwhile feature for new cars.
