Rajan Wilcox
Automatic start-stop technology has been a standard feature in modern cars for a few years now, and it is designed to save fuel by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is at rest. While some people find this feature annoying, it has been proven to be beneficial. A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers found that using start-stop technology can improve a car's fuel economy by over eight percent in heavy traffic, and savings can be as high as 9.5 percent or even 10.9 percent, depending on the car. This adds up to a significant amount of wasted gas over time. The effectiveness of the system depends on various factors, including driving style and area of use, but it is particularly useful during urban driving when there are a lot of stops.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel economy improvements
The start-stop system is designed to automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, such as at a stoplight or in heavy traffic. By cutting the engine, the system eliminates fuel consumption and idle emissions during these stationary periods. When the driver lifts their foot off the brake or engages the clutch, the engine restarts seamlessly, allowing the vehicle to resume motion.
The effectiveness of the start-stop system in improving fuel economy is evident. In a test conducted by Edmunds, they observed a notable improvement in fuel economy for both a BMW and a Jaguar. With the system engaged, the BMW achieved a 9.5% increase in fuel economy, rising from 26.2 to 28.7 mpg. The Jaguar outperformed the BMW, registering a 10.9% improvement, dropping from 4.1 gallons to 3.6 gallons.
Additionally, a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers revealed that utilizing the start-stop system can enhance a car's fuel economy by over 8% in heavy traffic conditions. This improvement is not insignificant, as it translates to a substantial reduction in wasted fuel over time. Furthermore, the start-stop system's effectiveness is influenced by driving style and area of use. It tends to provide the most significant fuel savings during urban driving, where frequent stops and idle periods are common.
To maximize the benefits of the start-stop system, it is crucial to maintain a well-functioning system. This includes regularly checking and servicing the battery, as an ageing or incorrect battery can hinder the system's performance and lead to premature deterioration. By ensuring the vehicle's battery is compatible with the start-stop system and replacing it before it fails, drivers can optimize fuel savings and contribute to both financial and ecological benefits.
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Cost savings
Automatic start-stop technology is designed to improve fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, such as at a standstill or stopped at a traffic light. When the driver lifts their foot off the brake, the engine restarts, and the car can move forward.
The start-stop system has been standard equipment in modern cars for some time, with many hybrid vehicles already utilising the technology. However, it has also been introduced to vehicles with conventional gasoline engines, such as the 2015 Ford F-150.
The effectiveness of the system depends on driving style and area of use. For example, it is more beneficial during urban use when there are more stops, and less so on long motorway journeys. The system can achieve fuel savings of up to 15%study by the Society of Automotive Engineers finding an improvement in fuel economy of over 8% in heavy traffic. In one test, a BMW 328i GT used 9.5% less fuel with the system active, saving 91 cents in 80 miles. Another test, this time on a Jaguar, showed a 10.9% reduction in fuel usage.
While the start-stop system can provide cost savings by reducing fuel consumption, it is important to note that the system requires a reliable supply of electricity to power electric components when the engine is off. This places high demands on the battery, and an advanced lead-acid battery is required for the system to function effectively. AGM and EFB batteries are the only battery technologies that can withstand the challenges of automatic start-stop systems.
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Environmental impact
Auto Stop-Start (AST) technology is designed to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles by improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, cutting fuel use and eliminating idle emissions, and then restarts the engine when the driver lifts off the brake or presses the accelerator.
The environmental benefits of AST are significant. By reducing idle time, AST helps to reduce fuel consumption and the associated emissions of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. This not only improves air quality but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change.
The exact amount of fuel saved by AST depends on various factors, including driving conditions and vehicle type. Studies have found that AST can improve fuel economy by 3-12%, with some tests showing even higher improvements of up to 26.4%. This translates to monetary savings for motorists, who can expect to save up to $179 in annual fuel costs when driving 15,000 miles a year in a vehicle that gets 20 mpg with fuel prices at $3.65 per gallon.
However, it is important to note that the benefits of AST are most pronounced in city driving scenarios with frequent stops, such as heavy traffic or numerous long signals. In contrast, when a vehicle is travelling long distances on highways, the engine typically remains on, and the AST system is not utilised, resulting in minimal fuel savings.
Despite the overall positive impact, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. The constant starting and stopping of the engine may have negative implications for the vehicle's battery life and starter motor, leading to potentially higher maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, some drivers may find the sensation of the engine stopping and restarting annoying, particularly if the system is not calibrated optimally.
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Driving style
The start-stop system is designed to automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, such as when idling at a red light, and restart it when the driver releases the brake or engages the accelerator. The basic logic is that idling burns gasoline without achieving any mileage.
The effectiveness of the start-stop system depends on driving conditions and driving style. During urban use, the start-stop system is more effective because it causes the engine to switch off at a standstill. On long motorway journeys, the system is less effective. The longer you sit idling, the more fuel you save. For example, if your car usually manages 20 mpg in the city, it could earn 22 or 23 mpg if it had a start-stop system. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, the fuel economy improvements of the start-stop function were between 7.27 and 26.4 percent in fuel use during testing. Another source estimates that start-stop technology can achieve fuel savings of up to 15%.
However, some drivers find the start-stop system annoying and choose to disable it. The system can cause a slight pause as the engine restarts, which can be problematic when there is a need for quick acceleration to join traffic. Additionally, the system may not be as effective if the battery is ageing, so it is recommended to check and replace the battery regularly.
Overall, while the start-stop system can lead to fuel savings, the amount saved depends on individual driving habits and conditions.
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Battery considerations
The auto start/stop system is designed to shut off a vehicle's engine when it is idle, preventing fuel wastage and reducing emissions. However, the constant starting and stopping of the engine can impact the battery life and performance.
The auto start/stop system's effectiveness depends on several factors, including the type of battery used. The system requires a battery that can handle the increased number of charging cycles and the extra load when the car is switched off and on repeatedly. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and EFB ("Enhanced Flooded Battery") batteries are the only battery technologies that can withstand the demands of auto start/stop systems. AGM batteries, commonly used in vehicles with start-stop technology, offer superior performance due to their ability to handle high-power demands and multiple charging cycles. They enable powerful engine starts and support reduced operation time for the starter, making them ideal for repeated engine shut-offs and restarts.
When replacing the battery in a car with an auto start/stop system, it is crucial to choose a compatible battery recognized by the system's battery sensor (IBS). This ensures accurate tracking of battery status and maximizes fuel savings. An incorrect or unregistered battery can lead to premature battery deterioration and potential breakdowns. Upgrading from an EFB to an AGM battery can also enhance the efficiency of the auto start/stop system, resulting in improved fuel consumption.
Additionally, regular battery maintenance is essential. Ageing batteries may reduce the number of start-stop events, so regular checks and replacements are recommended to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
While auto start/stop technology offers fuel savings and emissions reductions, it is important to consider the impact on battery life and choose the appropriate battery type to ensure the system functions correctly and prolong the battery's lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel autostop saves depends on several factors, including driving style and area of use. During urban use, autostop can improve fuel economy by over 8%. In one test, a car's fuel economy rose from 26.2 to 28.7 mpg, a savings of 9.5% or 91 cents in 80 miles. In another test, fuel economy climbed from 30.0 to 30.9 mpg, a modest savings of 2.9%. Depending on the style of driving, autostop technology can achieve fuel savings of up to 15%.
Autostop automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at rest to cut fuel use and eliminate idle emissions. The engine restarts automatically when the driver lifts off the brake or puts in the clutch to select 1st gear.
An increasing number of new cars are being equipped with autostop systems. Toyota invented the first automatic autostop system in the mid-1970s, and Volkswagen and Audi introduced their versions in the 1980s. Today, autostop is standard equipment in many modern cars.
