What is the working principle of the engine auto start-stop system?
3 Answers
When the vehicle comes to a stop and the driver presses the brake pedal, the start-stop system automatically checks the following conditions: the engine is idling and not in gear; the wheel speed sensors of the anti-lock braking system show zero; the electronic battery sensor indicates sufficient energy for restarting. Once these three conditions are met, the engine automatically stops running. Below is an introduction to the engine auto start-stop system: 1. Function of the engine auto start-stop: The system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle temporarily stops during driving. When it's time to move forward again, the system automatically restarts the engine. 2. How the engine auto start-stop works: Simply press the brake pedal while driving, and the engine will automatically shut off about two seconds after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Keeping the brake pedal pressed will maintain the engine in the off state. As soon as the brake is released or the steering wheel is turned, the engine will automatically restart immediately, allowing the driver to press the accelerator and start moving again.
Wow, this auto start-stop system in cars is really interesting. I encounter it working quite often during my daily drives. Simply put, when you brake to a complete stop, like at a red light or in traffic, the system detects zero speed and automatically shuts off the engine. As soon as you release the brake or press the accelerator, it instantly restarts the engine. This design is mainly for fuel savings and reducing exhaust emissions. Modern cars are equipped with various sensors to monitor conditions, such as the transmission or wheel speed. If the battery has sufficient charge, the restart process is smooth, sometimes you don't even feel a vibration. But some older car owners complain that frequent restarts put a heavy load on the starter, which might affect its lifespan. When I drove my friend's hybrid car, the system responded even faster, thanks to the additional electric support. Overall, it's a very smart feature that helps save us some money.
The auto start-stop technology in car engines is actually not complicated. While driving, the computer system continuously monitors various signals. For example, when the speed sensor detects that the car has come to a complete stop and conditions are met (such as the brake pedal being pressed and the air conditioning load not being high), it sends a command to shut off the engine. At this point, the vehicle relies on the battery to power the onboard electronics. Once you're ready to move again, by releasing the brake or pressing the accelerator, the sensor sends a signal to the starter to quickly ignite the engine. The entire process is completed in an instant, without delaying the start. The benefits include reducing idle fuel consumption and lowering pollutant emissions, making it particularly suitable for urban traffic congestion. Having worked in car repairs for many years, I've found that owners need to be aware that battery aging or frequent use may cause system malfunctions, so it's best to regularly maintain and inspect the components.
