The majority of tests have shown no notable starter motor life wear when using auto start-stop. Same for the case of batteries. The technology is also not a parasitic car battery drainer as many believe. But there are certain things that you should have an idea about.
For example, a nuance that you should know about is that it is actually a fuel drain in some cases.
A common misconception is that auto start-stop technology (ASST) will save you money on gas. This is not true. ASST actually decreases fuel economy. This happens because it shuts off the engine when idling and then restarts it when you put your foot on the pedal.
This can cause more wear and tear on your vehicle’s engine. Especially compared to if you maintained a steady idle speed all along.
Nonetheless, at the same time, it’s also true that the same technology will actually save fuel. Only under certain circumstances, but it will. It all depends on how you drive, the average traffic conditions, and so on.
As a general rule of thumb, it sure reduces CO2 emmissions. What’s more, it also reduces noise levels.
Can it damage your starter?
This is a very common question, and it is one that many car owners ask. The answer is yes, it can do damage to your starter. But it’s not likely to happen if you have a good battery and alternator maintenance. Further, if you do not let the engine idle too short between starts, it poses an even smaller threat.
Damage beyond repair is likely if you’re using a battery that has been sitting for several months. If so, replace it with a new one as soon as possible. You’ll also want to check the alternator belt for wear and tear before doing anything else. This part can also cause problems for starters when worn out.
The downsides to automatic transmission (and why you should favor auto start-stop)
If your car has an automatic transmission, it is likely that the car starts and stops on its own.
This is a feature of modern engines that allows them to shift gears more quickly than older models. It also makes it easier for the vehicle to maintain a constant speed while driving.
But there are some downsides to this feature as well. The most obvious downside is that the engine will always be running when you idle at a light or in traffic. This can cause wear and tear on certain parts of your vehicle’s engine over time. Especially if you drive around town with your engine idling all day long.
Another downside is that certain parts of your car’s engine can incur damage due to higher temperatures. This can happen when they’re running at full RPM while idling. These parts include pistons and rings in particular, which can get damaged from overheating. Getting exposed to high temperatures over time can damage them.
Auto start-stop technology is a very useful feature for modern cars. It has been around for years, but only recently has it become affordable for cars with smaller engines.
The technology uses an electric motor to turn the engine on and off when needed. This means that you can save fuel and money by running your engine only when necessary. Also, without having to worry about keeping it running all day long.
Yet, there are some negative aspects to auto start-stop technology as well. For example, there is a chance that the computer will not recognize when the engine is no longer running. So, it will keep turning it on until everything stops working.
Is auto start-stop technology bad for the engine?
ASST reduces fuel consumption by shutting down a vehicle’s engine when idling. The technology has been around for more than 20 years. It has been present in European and Asian vehicles for a while now. It has recently become available in new models from several automakers in the US as well.
This technology works by switching the engine off when it is idle. It also then turns it back on when the driver starts driving. The technology improves fuel economy by up to 15% as per a 2015 study. But some drivers have expressed concerns about the potential negative effects. Especially negative impact on their engines and starters.
Generally, auto start-stop engines are less likely to fail than traditional gasoline engines. This is because they shut down in situations that would cause damage to a gas engine. Auto start-stop engines also work differently than conventional gasoline engines. They don’t run at high RPM for extended periods of time. Instead, they operate at lower speeds for shorter periods of time.
There have been reports from drivers with their ASST engines after installation. These issues span different things. For example:
- Reduced engine performance
- Increased wear and tear on parts like valves and pistons
- Higher fuel consumption levels than before installing the system Again, all this depends on the driver and driving conditions.
