What is the correct way to use the auto start-stop function in the Volkswagen Tharu?

[JaydenMarie]

The correct way to use the auto start-stop function in the Volkswagen Tharu is: Once the car is started, the auto start-stop system is in normal working condition. To turn it off, simply press the mechanical button located at the lower right corner of the gear lever button area. When driving on steep slopes, it is advisable to avoid using the auto start-stop function. Although the auto start-stop duration is very brief, the engine's start-stop on a slope might lead to insufficient brake assistance. The Volkswagen Tharu is a compact SUV under the Volkswagen brand, equipped with two engines: a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

[DelJuliet]

When you encounter a red light while driving and press the brake pedal firmly, the automatic start-stop system in the Tharu will activate, temporarily shutting off the engine to save fuel. As soon as the light turns green, releasing the brake slightly or turning the steering wheel will instantly restart the engine with almost no delay. Just keep an eye on the green 'A' icon on the dashboard to confirm it's active. If frequent starts and stops in traffic become annoying, you can simply press the 'A' button on the center console to turn it off. However, this function automatically reactivates every time you restart the car, so remember to check the indicator light to confirm its status next time. In summer when the air conditioning is on or in winter when the engine coolant temperature is insufficient, the system may automatically pause the start-stop function to ensure comfort.

[McAnnie]

I've tested this feature for a while, and it truly saves fuel when using auto start-stop at red lights lasting over 15 seconds. The Tharu's start-stop logic is quite intelligent - it activates only when the brake is pressed with sufficient force, the battery has adequate charge, all doors are closed, and the engine coolant temperature is normal. The system defaults to deactivation during reverse gear, and won't trigger on slopes even with hard braking to prevent rollback risks. Special reminder for those who've modified their batteries: if you replace the start-stop specific battery with a regular one, functionality issues may occur as Volkswagen has strict requirements about this.

[DeOlivia]

The start-stop button is located next to the gear lever, that circular arrow button with a yellow light indicates it's off. The key is to develop a habit: you must turn it off before wading! Once my start-stop suddenly activated in a waterlogged section, and water nearly backflowed into the intake – that would've been trouble. For daily use, it's quite convenient; it only activates when the transmission is in D gear with the brake pedal pressed, and it goes dormant in P gear. The new Tharu has switched to a 48V mild hybrid system, making the start-stop vibration much smoother than the old gasoline version. Now the restart is almost imperceptible.

[OLondyn]

On the day of pickup, the salesperson specifically demonstrated that this feature only works when the seatbelt is properly fastened. There were a few times when I clearly pressed the brake but the engine didn't shut off. Later, I found out that the system temporarily disables when the steering wheel angle exceeds 90 degrees or when the defogger is on. A handy tip: lightly press the brake to slow down almost to a stop without pressing too hard, and the engine won't shut off; wait until fully stopped before applying more pressure. The auto start-stop uses a specially designed battery that costs twice as much as a regular one, so those who frequently drive short distances should pay attention to battery health.

[PhoebeRose]

Lessons learned after two years with the Tharu: Always turn off the auto start-stop when parking on garage ramps to avoid poor body control due to shaking. The new car manual states that auto start-stop activation requires meeting 7 conditions, including details like ambient temperature between -5°C to 35°C and AC temperature difference being less than 8°C from the set value. Once, after over ten consecutive start-stop cycles, the system suddenly failed but resumed after a 10-minute rest—later learned it was due to 48V motor overheating protection. Recommend regularly checking the auto start-stop system for error codes using a diagnostic scanner.