What Is the Automatic Start-Stop System?

What Is the Start-Stop System?

The start-stop system is a technology designed for vehicle efficiency and fuel economy. This system automatically stops the vehicle’s engine when the vehicle is stopped (for example, at traffic lights) and restarts it when the driver wants to move the vehicle again. This way, vehicles use less fuel and produce fewer CO2 emissions.

What Does the Automatic Start-Stop System Do?

Drivers generally tend to leave their engines running even when the vehicle is stopped. This can happen at traffic signals and during heavy traffic. This causes extra fuel containing the rich air-fuel mixture needed for idling to be burned.

For this reason, manufacturers developed the “Start Stop System” to reduce unnecessary fuel burning and improve fuel economy.

The Start Stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle stops. Then, when the vehicle is ready to move again, the system automatically restarts the engine.

The start-stop system shortens engine idling time, which reduces emissions.

A vehicle with the Start Stop system significantly improves fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine at idle and saving fuel. This helps when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or in traffic congestion.

what is the automatic start-stop system in vehicles

Fuel Savings

The start-stop system can reduce fuel consumption in city traffic by 5-8%.

Reinforced Starter Motor

In start-stop vehicles, the starter motor is specially reinforced to operate hundreds of times per day.

AGM Battery Requirement

A special AGM or EFB type battery is generally used so the system can withstand frequent start-stop cycles.

How to Use the Start Stop System

Stop the car and press the clutch.
Shift into neutral.
Release the clutch pedal — the engine will stop after 5 seconds.
The engine restarts the moment you press the clutch.
Select the correct gear and move the car.

Some advanced designs also make use of an integrated starter-generator (ISG). This is also known as an integrated starter-alternator and regenerative braking used together with Start-Stop systems.

The Automatic Start-Stop System Doesn’t Activate in the Following Cases:

When the engine hasn’t reached normal operating temperature.
If the vehicle’s electrical battery charge is insufficient.
If the air conditioning system is running.
If the driver is turning the steering wheel.

How Does the Automatic Stop-Start System Work?

The video below explains how the start-stop system works.

Video: how the start-stop system works

Some Automotive Brands and the Names They Give the Start-Stop System

BMW: Auto Start Stop
Ford: Auto Start-Stop
Honda: Eco Assist System
Hyundai: Idle Stop and Go (ISG)
Mercedes-Benz: ECO start/stop function
Toyota: Intelligent Stop and Start (ISS)
Volkswagen: BlueMotion Technology Start/Stop
Audi: Audi Stop/Start System
Chevrolet: ECOTEC Auto Stop/Start Technology

Citroen: Stop & Start
Fiat: Start&Stop System
Kia: ISG (Idle Stop and Go)
Mazda: i-stop
Peugeot: Stop & Start
Renault: Energy Smart Management
Skoda: Green tec Start-Stop System
Subaru: Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Split.

using the start-stop system and its advantages

Advantages of the Start-Stop System

The advantages of the start-stop system are as follows:

Fuel savings: Since the engine is shut off while the vehicle is stopped, it saves fuel.
Lower CO2 emissions: Using less fuel brings lower CO2 emissions.
Less noise: When the engine is off, vehicle noise decreases.
Longer vehicle life: The engine being under less stress when it’s stopped, instead of running continuously, extends the vehicle’s life.
Lower energy cost: With the start-stop system, vehicles use less fuel, which means lower energy costs.

Related Questions

These systems generally use a reinforced battery or an additional capacitor, and the starter can engage much faster and more frequently than with a normal battery when the engine restarts. This special hardware prevents frequent starting and stopping from wearing out the battery.

Yes, because a stopped engine consumes no fuel at all, whereas an engine idling continuously burns a small amount of fuel the whole time. Especially in stop-and-go city traffic, these small savings add up to something noticeable.