Start and Stop is a very common technology today, present in the overwhelming majority of modern vehicles. It was during the 2000s that it began to become more widespread, in response to increasingly strict environmental standards (greenhouse gas emissions) and the growing demand for less polluting vehicles. Today, it has largely matured thanks to more efficient batteries and more optimized engine management algorithms.
This system, although widely used, divides motoristss. Some worry that repeated starting and stopping of the engine puts excessive strain on the starter, battery and other components, leading to wear on the block. What is it really?
Guaranteed savings in the city, but watch out for traffic jams
Tests carried out by the laboratory Auto Plus demonstrate the real effectiveness of the system if used in urban areas. The measurements carried out reveal a notable reduction in consumption which can achieve 1.2 liters per 100 km in city centers. Given the crazy prices that fuels have reached this year, every penny is worth taking. Fortunately, these are starting to fall again. Prices at the pump have seen a slight drop this week with diesel, in particular, showing a decrease of 0.9 cents, now standing at 1.6456 euros per liter.
Even when crossing less dense towns, where stops are less frequent, the savings remain perceptible with a decrease of 0.3 to 0.4 liters if Start and Stop is engaged. On the other hand, the device loses its relevance in traffic jams or during concertina traffic, where its impact on consumption becomes negligible.
Behind the scenes: more demanding mechanics
Intensive use of Start and Stop is not without consequences on the vehicle’s mechanical components. Manufacturers have certainly anticipated these constraints by strengthening the components concerned: starter, battery and belts. Nevertheless, accelerated wear of certain parts remains a technical reality. The starter, the part that drives the engine until it can operate independently, may require replacement after 100,000 km, with a cost higher than that of a standard model.
On some car modelsthe testersAuto Plus noted premature wear of the tension rollers (mechanical components equipped with bearings which maintain constant tension on the belts) and the accessory belt (part which ensures the transmission of engine power to various accessories for their operation).
For vehicles with a manual transmission, the system paradoxically presents a mechanical advantage. Keeping your foot on the brake and releasing the clutch allows the device to engage, thus reducing the stress on the clutch mechanism and on the stopper (component which allows you to disengage and engage).
So, should you use Start and Stop? If you drive mainly in town and are sensitive to fuel savings and the environment, he is undeniably your ally. If you mainly drive on the highway, are sensitive to driving comfort and frequent restarts bother you, you can choose to deactivate the system with a simple press of the dedicated button.
- Start and Stop ensures a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 1.2 L/100 km in urban areas
- However, its intensive use can accelerate the wear of components such as the starter and the accessory belt.
- It is therefore ideal for urban journeys, but less relevant on motorways or in heavy traffic.
