Does A Car’s Start-Stop Mechanism Save Fuel Or Add To The Load On Drivers?

The start-stop system is a technology developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Its basic function is to shut down the engine when the vehicle stops temporarily automatically, say at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, and to restart it when the driver presses the clutch (for manual transmissions) or releases the brake (for automatic transmissions).

Start-stop system in the car

Manufacturers promise a reduction in fuel consumption of 3 to 10 percent, and in conditions of heavy city traffic, savings can reach up to 15 percent. According to analyzes published by the Croatian Automobile Club, this can mean up to several hundred euros in fuel costs per year. Switching off the engine while the vehicle is stationary also reduces the emission of harmful gases, a key argument in the fight against air pollution in urban centres. However, behind these impressive numbers, there is another side of the story that causes serious concern among vehicle owners, writes N1.hr.

Load

The main reason for skepticism lies in the extra load the system places on the car’s key components. Although manufacturers claim that vehicles with start-stop technology are equipped with reinforced parts, the fact is that the starter and battery are used incomparably more often than in vehicles without this system. Instead of several starts per day, the engine starts dozens of times during just one city trip. This inevitably leads to faster wear. Vehicles with this technology require special, significantly more expensive batteries (AGM or EFB) and more durable starters. When it’s time to replace them, the cost can many times exceed the achieved fuel savings, turning an environmental measure into a financial burden for the owner.

Owners of turbocharged vehicles are particularly concerned. Experts warn that the sudden shutdown of the engine after more dynamic driving interrupts the cooling and lubrication process of the turbine, which operates at extremely high temperatures. This thermal shock can cause serious and costly damage in the long run. It is recommended to let the engine idle for at least a minute after driving fast to allow the turbine to cool down, which directly disables the start-stop system. This is precisely why many drivers turn off the system as a precaution to save one of the most expensive components of modern engines.

The decision depends on the driver.

The decision to use the start-stop system ultimately depends on the driver, but there are situations where its deactivation is almost mandatory. In start-stop driving with very short stop intervals, the system does more harm than good because the load on the components is maximum, and the fuel economy is negligible. Also, at very low outside temperatures or when the engine is under heavy load, such as towing a trailer, it is wiser to spare the battery and start the additional load. Although car manufacturers have put considerable effort into customizing vehicles, weighing the potential savings against the risk of expensive repairs leads many to press the button marked “A” and take control of their engine, reports Večernji list.

• Read More: According To A Recent Study, EVs Lose Value More Quickly Than Hybrids