[einstein]

Originally Posted by PontiJunk

It feels like car makers will go to any length to improved an efficiency number on paper. I can't imagine the extra expense and engineering to have gas powered cars shut off at a stop light to save a gallon per year (guessing and maybe guessing poorly). If I get stuck waiting for a long train to go by, I will turn it off myself.

My take was the primary reason was to meet ever-increasing Federal CAFE standards. By raising the average, they could sell more SUVs without paying penalties.

https://www.autoweek.com/news/techno...week-explains/

I frequently drive rentals, and some have an off button for this "feature", some have some tricks to perform to disable it, and some you're just stuck with.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by einstein

My take was the primary reason was to meet ever-increasing Federal CAFE standards. By raising the average, they could sell more SUVs without paying penalties.

https://www.autoweek.com/news/techno...week-explains/

I frequently drive rentals, and some have an off button for this "feature", some have some tricks to perform to disable it, and some you're just stuck with.

I think it’s dumb idea with only short term gains.
Someone mentioned strain on the battery, and you’re putting a lot more wear on the starter and on the flywheel.
Many starters along with many components are made in China, does anyone really think Chinese auto parts are better built ? I don’t.
Just imagine if the starter finally gives out when you’re stuck in traffic with a 100 cars behind you, especially if you’re in the hood of St Louis.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

I think it’s dumb idea with only short term gains.
Someone mentioned strain on the battery, and you’re putting a lot more wear on the starter and on the flywheel.
Many starters along with many components are made in China, does anyone really think Chinese auto parts are better built ? I don’t.
Just imagine if the starter finally gives out when you’re stuck in traffic with a 100 cars behind you, especially if you’re in the hood of St Louis.

In fairness, most of the start/stop systems do not use a traditional starter. Some, like GM, use essentially a giant starter/generator. We would refer to it as a giant alternator. When called on to start, it becomes a starter and turns the engine through a very large and extra strong serpentine belt. Another common system is to have a motor winding built into the flywheel area, IE Toyota, and this energizes and spins the crankshaft to start. These parts of the system have been pretty robust but very expensive if service is actually needed. The big advantage is no grinding of starter teeth during the thousands and thousands of starts at every stoplight. Tough on batteries though. The small power electronics battery in a Prius is a three year item if your real lucky. The big batteries have been very long lived.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

In fairness, most of the start/stop systems do not use a traditional starter. Some, like GM, use essentially a giant starter/generator. We would refer to it as a giant alternator. When called on to start, it becomes a starter and turns the engine through a very large and extra strong serpentine belt. Another common system is to have a motor winding built into the flywheel area, IE Toyota, and this energizes and spins the crankshaft to start. These parts of the system have been pretty robust but very expensive if service is actually needed. The big advantage is no grinding of starter teeth during the thousands and thousands of starts at every stoplight.

Came here to say this.

K