Is the Stop-Start system in cars useful or harmful?

Nowadays, more and more new cars are being equipped with the Stop-Start system. This technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle stops, and restarts it when the driver releases the brake pedal. This is, undoubtedly, one of the effective methods created to save fuel and reduce environmental impact. But the question arises: what is its long-term effect?

According to tests and observations, this system can reduce fuel consumption by 6–15%. In densely populated cities, this figure can reach up to 35%. Another advantage of the system is reducing CO₂ emissions and noise levels, which is especially important for cities with environmental problems.

Moreover, the Stop-Start system works very quickly: restarting the engine takes around 400 milliseconds, which is almost imperceptible to the driver. To achieve such results, reinforced batteries, special starters, and intelligent control units are used.

Like any technology, the Stop-Start system requires complex engineering solutions. The frequent turning on and off of the engine can damage certain components, especially the turbocharger and the lubrication system.

An important point is that turbo systems must be fully supplied with oil even after stopping. If the engine is shut off abruptly, the turbine may be left without oil and overheat. Therefore, some manufacturers install additional cooling pumps to help mitigate this problem.

If you often face traffic jams in a big city and the engine is forced to start and stop every 10–15 seconds, it is recommended to temporarily disable the Stop-Start function. This is especially important for cars with small engines, where even short interruptions can affect the durability and efficiency of components.

Many car models have a special button to manually disable this function — it should be used as needed.

The Stop-Start system not only saves fuel but is also an effective tool for protecting the environment. However, using this system requires following the manufacturer's recommendations and considering the car’s condition and usage environment.

Instead of blindly relying on automation, evaluating the situation consciously and temporarily disabling the function when necessary can prevent major repair costs. With the right approach, Stop-Start provides not only savings but also extends the vehicle’s lifespan. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!