What is the purpose of the AOFF switch in the Buick Excelle?
3 Answers
AOFF button stands for the Auto Start-Stop function. The Auto Start-Stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop (such as at a red light) during driving. When it's time to move again, the system automatically restarts the engine. Additional information: Main types of engine start-stop technology: 1. Separate starter motor: This type of start-stop system uses independently designed starter and generator. The starter provides the power needed for engine startup, while the generator supplies electrical power to the starter. 2. Integrated starter-generator: The integrated starter/generator is a synchronous motor excited by permanent magnet inner rotor and single-tooth stator, which can integrate the drive unit into the hybrid powertrain system.
I've been driving my Buick Excelle for over three years now, and that AOFF switch on the car is actually used to turn off the auto start-stop function. By default, the start-stop is activated when you get in the car. Every time you stop at a red light or in traffic, the engine shuts off automatically, and the slight jerk when it restarts can be quite annoying, especially during short city drives where the frequent on-off cycles feel uncomfortable and may affect battery life. I've developed the habit of pressing the AOFF button before driving to turn it off, which keeps the engine running smoothly throughout the ride. Of course, on long highway trips, I occasionally turn it on to save some fuel, as the start-stop feature can indeed reduce fuel consumption by a few percentage points. But for daily commuting, keeping it off is more hassle-free. Buick designed this switch thoughtfully, giving us the option to choose. It's not just about comfort—during the rainy season, the slightly slower restart response can also raise safety concerns. I recommend that drivers toggle it based on road conditions and try it out for a while to find the most suitable approach for their driving style.
The AOFF switch is essentially the button to manually deactivate the engine auto start-stop system. The start-stop function automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights or during stops to save fuel and reduce emissions, but it places additional strain on the battery since the starter motor consumes significant power. I usually keep it turned off because the start-stop vibration is noticeable and disrupts driving rhythm, especially when there's a half-second delay during restarts on inclines or turns, which can be distracting. Technically, the start-stop system relies on vehicle sensors and automatically disables when battery voltage is low, but the manual switch offers a more decisive solution. Long-term use can extend component lifespan and save on maintenance costs, though occasionally activating it—like during a 5-minute drive on flat roads—does contribute to energy efficiency. Based on my comparative tests, turning off start-stop shows minimal impact on fuel gauge readings, but the driving experience improves dramatically.
