Why is it better to avoid using the start-stop system? The principle of operation of the start-stop system on Audi, Tiguan, Citroen cars Press start first you should pay attention to simple

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An article about the "start-stop" system: features, details of functioning, opinions about the system. At the end of the article - a video about the pros and cons of the "start-stop" system.


The content of the article:

A modern car, from the point of view of the buyer, should be first of all economical, and secondly, comfortable. Gone are the days when drivers did not pay attention to fuel consumption - today it is the question of the economic profitability of the car that has come out on top.

Improving the design of the car, engineers have developed a "start-stop" system, which should significantly reduce fuel consumption during urban operation of the car, in particular on idle when up to 30% of the volume burns out fuel tank.


Staying in a traffic jam turns out to be quite costly, and the automatic engine stop system is designed to save gasoline and diesel, and at the same time - to reduce emissions into the atmosphere of exhaust gases, which, in theory, will improve the environmental component of a particular region.

Is it true? What is the start-stop system technology based on and how does this affect the overall life of the power unit?


The system is designed to automatically stop the engine under certain operating conditions of the vehicle. At the same time, the equipment is active not only while driving, but also when the hood is raised and the seat belt is unfastened. To continue driving, the driver needs:
  1. If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission- release the brake.
  2. On machines with manual transmission- squeeze the clutch.
In some situations, the system may not work. Stopping will not occur if the car climate control is powered by a compressor, if the battery charge has dropped to a level below the minimum, if brake system a critical vacuum level is observed.


As the name suggests, two adjacent systems are used to start and stop the engine. The first controls the stopping of the engine, the second controls its start. Since the engine resource is designed for 50,000 starter cycles, and the number of engine starts with the start-stop system increases by 7-10 times, changes are made to the design of the car. Used by:
  • reinforced starter;
  • reversible generator (or starter-generator).
On gasoline engine, where the standard injection parameters remain, the corresponding piston stroke parameters are set.

The "start-stop" system, installed on a reinforced starter, involves flashing the ECU to install a separate (individual) system control unit. After signals from sensors to stop the engine, all components of the car are powered not from the engine, but from the battery.

If the battery is insufficiently charged, the system will not work. A button is displayed on the dashboard through which you can turn off the system.

The Clean Start alternative fuel saving system has been developed for installation on commercial vehicles and trucks from 6 tonnes. The system uses a hydraulic starter motor, which is installed directly on the crankshaft as on the main unit, which experiences significant loads when starting a car. The system includes the following nodes:

  • hydraulic motor with a capacity of 15 kW;
  • water pump;
  • working fluid control valve;
  • accumulator battery;
  • tank.
The system works after a signal from the vehicle ECU. Since the Clean Start system is rather bulky, it is more often installed on SUVs and almost never on sedans.

Opinions are divided


Many drivers question the effectiveness of the start-stop system. Saving fuel, of course, occurs, but, in their opinion, not by 30%, as the manufacturers claim, but by only 3-4%. A premature wear bearings crankshaft and subsequent repairs are guaranteed 99%.

These concerns are shared by Federal Mogul's lead engineer A. Gerhard, who develops bearings for clutch systems. The designer believes that the advantage of fuel economy is completely leveled by the degree of wear and the subsequent repair of expensive components.

Video about the pros and cons of the start-stop system:

Caring for the environment is the motto of every car manufacturer. Such a feeling appears after the release of another new product that allows you to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere and save fuel. Let's talk about electronic device for auto "Start-Stop".

What it is?

The main idea of ​​Start-Stop is to turn off the engine in a situation where it is not required to work. For example, when idle in traffic jams, or while waiting for a green traffic light. When we drove up to a traffic light and stopped the car, it will automatically turn off the engine. As soon as you take your foot off the brake pedal and press the gas, the car will start on its own.

It is clear that this will significantly increase the number of engine starts. This leads to the installation of a reinforced starter (it has six brushes instead of four in the usual one), as well as a high-capacity battery of the AGM type with an increased charge-discharge cycle. The battery can quickly accept a charge, it tolerates cyclic loads well, is not afraid of deep discharges and frosts, and has a double resource. Some devices use a generator as a starter, which makes starting noiseless.

The system is completely based on electronic sensors and a motor control unit, and the sensors are located on all leading vehicle components: wheels, battery, crankshaft, gearbox, generator.

When the car stops, the speed sensor sends the ECU (to the "brains" of the car) a signal to turn off the engine. If the battery charge level allows it, the motor stops. Automatic engine start occurs only in neutral gear. The signal is pressing the gas pedal or, when automatic box gears, releasing the brake pedal.

Principle of operation and device

The currently most common Bosch system uses a reinforced starter (4) and a generator (8). The operation of the system is controlled by the standard engine control unit (1) with a modified software... It is he who turns off the engine according to signals from the wheel speed sensors (6). The sensors on the clutch and brake pedals, not shown in the diagram, give a start-up welcome.

The sensors for the position of the manual transmission lever (6) and the state of charge of the battery (3) are needed to block the engine stop if the energy in the battery is low or any gear is engaged. And the crankshaft position sensor (7) - for precise stopping of the pistons in the optimal position for the next start. A stabilizer compensating for the voltage “drop” (2) during engine start-up is necessary for the normal operation of on-board consumers.

Does it save fuel?

The principle of operation is not very complicated. A feature of the "Start-Stop" system is frequent engine start, which cannot, will not affect its resource. And the projected fuel savings for motorists is no more than 8 percent. This is ideal; in practice, the savings are even less. Yes, what kind of fuel economy can we talk about when buying a premium car!

Usually, cars are equipped with the system by default, so its real cost is difficult to calculate. Independent companies will install it at 30,000 rubles. It is easy to calculate that to justify this amount, you need to drive along the central streets of the city at rush hour for more than one year, and stand idle in long traffic jams.

Suppose that Start-Stop saves 200-300 ml of fuel per 100 km of run. We drive about 30,000 km a year. As a result, the savings for a motorist will be 60-80 liters of fuel. Think for yourself. If you often drive around the city, then the effect will be even greater. When driving on the highway - the meaning is lost. And at traffic lights with a delay of 120-140 seconds, you can turn off the engine yourself.

Cars with a start-stop system should not normal battery... It has increased capacity and is able to support more charge-discharge cycles. Finding a replacement for him is not easy. You can put the original, but it is very expensive, or looking for a substitute, which is also not easy. And for example, on some cars, before replacing this battery, you need to perform a number of manipulations. For example, write it in electronic unit machine and reset the age of the battery and the number of motor starts. Those. make friends the battery and the "brains" of the car.

The Start-Stop device is an expensive toy for car enthusiasts. She is equipped with many cars in the database, which more than a million... You can personally check the advantages and disadvantages on your own experience. If you don't like it, you can always turn it off with a button on the instrument panel. But it makes no sense to choose a car, given the availability of this option.

It's no secret that the engine of the car, during operation, runs idle for almost a third of the time. At the same time, the engine does not force the car to move, but, nevertheless, it consumes fuel. Not to mention the emissions of recycled gases into the air and the pollution of the atmosphere that constantly occurs when a car is operated on Idling... Also, I want to say that it is unreasonable to waste the resources of the motor in vain, since they are not endless.

In this position, the modern start-stop system is the ideal alternative. Undoubtedly, this device will not allow you to absolutely avoid the idling of a car, however, it will help to significantly reduce this time. I propose to consider in more detail the principles of "start-stop" operation, its main functions, difficulties in operation, as well as disadvantages and advantages.

The first experiments in creating such a system were undertaken in the 1790s by Toyota.

Then they installed a device that turned off the engine after a second and a half of inactivity. Already in the 1980s, this system was included in the packaging of some vehicles, such as Volkswagen polo, Feat Regata and others. As for the Wolksvagen Golf 3, in 1994 it was equipped with a special Ecomatic system, however, it was not successful.

How the start-stop system works, features of the car with automatic transmission and mechanics

"Start-stop" is called a specialized system, which is intended for the timely automatic shutdown of the motor when it comes to a complete stop. vehicle and its subsequent launch. A similar device works slightly differently on vehicles with a manual transmission and with an automatic transmission.

If you have an automatic transmission, then the engine will stop when the car comes to a complete stop and after the brake pedal is pressed. When you release the brake pedal, the engine will restart.

In the case of a manual transmission, the engine will automatically shut off after engaging in neutral and releasing the clutch pedal. If you need to continue driving, you just need to press the clutch pedal and the engine will be ready to work.

It should be said that the functions of the system are performed by the following devices:

1.Starter;
2. Injectors of the injection system;
3. Coils of the ignition system.

Start-stop system, difficulties in work, pros and cons of the system

Undoubtedly, the start-stop device has many advantages, but there are still difficulties in its operation. For example, the use of this system significantly increases the number of starting modes, which makes it necessary to use completely different types of starters that can cope with high loads. Standard starters are not used in such cases.

Also, it should be said that when using this device, you need special rechargeable batteries that can withstand many "discharge-charge" cycles. Such batteries have porous separators impregnated with electrolyte, which are located between the battery plates and protect them from destruction.

Benefits of start-stop:

1.Significant savings in gasoline costs.

2. The harmful emissions into the atmosphere are significantly reduced.

3. At traffic lights and in traffic jams, you can not hear the roar of the engine.

Although some drivers attribute this criterion to disadvantages and in vain turn off the system in order to hear the noise of the engine of their car.

Disadvantages of this device:

1.High load on battery and starter.

2. With a long stay in traffic jams, the system gets very tired, but it is quite easy to eliminate it by forced shutdown.

3. When the engine stops, the air conditioner also stops working.

The start-stop system does not always work, why

Unfortunately, not all drivers know that the start-stop system works only when a number of conditions are met. I propose to consider them in more detail:

1.Firstly, the hood and the driver's doors must be closed.

2. Secondly, the driver must wear a seat belt.

3. Thirdly, the vehicle must move at least four kilometers per hour.

4. Fourthly, your car should not have a trailer.

But that is not all. Even if the device is started, the motor may not turn off under the following conditions:

1.If the engine did not have time to warm up and the coolant temperature did not reach 25 degrees.

2. When heating windshield switched on.

3. If the interior of the car is not warmed up and the temperature in it is lower by 8 degrees or more than the one set by the climate control.

4. If the engine is not idling.

5. There is a problem with the generator.

6. When the machine stops after reversing.

7. If the charge of the storage battery is lower than the set in the system of parameters.

8. During the maneuver wheel rotated at a significant angle.

All of the above movements can be quite easily regulated by specialized sensors, the data from which is processed by the system control unit. In addition, there are cases when the start-stop system can start the engine without the participation of the motorist. This can happen, for example, when a car rolls off a slope, when the vehicle has managed to accelerate to four kilometers per hour or more.

It is generally accepted that if the start-stop device is initially included in the complete set of the car, or when it is installed independently, then the fuel economy is up to ten percent. It is possible that the figure is a little overstated, but, in any case, the car will consume less fuel than usual. As for the environmental side of the issue, then the emissions of exhaust gases into the air will certainly be less.

Start-stop system with recuperation, what is the advantage

Energy recovery during braking has recently begun to be used in start-stop devices. In this case, the control car generator happens this way: if a heavy load is applied to the car engine, the generator is turned off in order to save fuel. Further, when braking, it turns on and recharges the battery - thus energy is recovered.

Such a system differs from competitors in the use of a reversible generator, that is, a special AC electric machine that can work either as a starter or as a generator, depending on the need. It also has an independent control unit that works directly with the engine control unit. The device does not differ in connection with sensors.

It has a special intelligence, because if the battery charge drops to 75%, the start-stop system with recuperation is automatically disabled.

But she also has one drawback - at long distances the recuperation system becomes virtually useless. This is due to the fact that the vehicle mostly travels in acceleration mode, and braking is only a small fraction of the total time. Perhaps for this reason, the device is mainly used in hybrid cars.

Also, if you yourself want to disable this device, then on dashboard there is a special button for this.

Results of the start-stop system

Summing up the above described text, it is safe to say that such a system can significantly reduce the financial costs of fuel, which is especially important in times of crisis. Also, your vehicle will be environmentally friendly due to the minimum emission of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. Once upon a time, only a few hybrid cars were equipped with similar systems, but nowadays more and more car manufacturers are installing "start-stop" on their cars.

Undoubtedly, this system has some difficulties and flaws, as in all devices. However, there are still more advantages. Some motorists believe that "start-stop" is a completely unnecessary device that cannot save fuel. In fact, this is not the case. You just need to find a common language with the device, learn how to use it, since this device is sharpened for certain working conditions.

According to statistics, the car's engine works for almost a third of the entire operation time. During so-called wasted work, the engine does not make the vehicle move, but it consumes fuel. Also at such a moment, atmospheric pollution occurs, namely the emission of exhaust gases.

In such a situation, a start-stop system is an excellent solution, because the engine resource is not infinite and it is not advisable to spend it on idle operation of the unit. Of course, completely avoiding the idling of the engine will not work, but it is quite possible to reduce this time. Let's take a closer look, start-stop?

According to the model, others are available as standard or optional active systems control, as well as optimization of driving dynamics. For example, the system reduces lateral tilt when cornering, always keeping the tires in an optimal position in relation to the road surface, and allows high lateral forces to be transmitted.

The maximum speed in curves is increased and even better lap times are achieved in car chains. The new 112 models will arrive in Latin America early. For many years, saving on fuel and reducing pollutant emissions have been the two main concerns of the automotive industry.

How the start-stop system works

The principle of operation is quite simple and boils down to the fact that when the car stops, the engine is automatically shut off, and, if necessary, to move on, it also automatically starts again.

The essence of the system's operation is also different when a manual transmission is installed. In the first case, the engine stops after the vehicle has stopped completely and the brake pedal is pressed. The motor starts running again when the brake pedal is released.

It is not necessary to study or study any manual for using this ignition system as it works autonomously and is very simple. The driver just needs to step on the clutch to start, while the brake foot will be raised when it is activated again.

Battery loading system. This results in more energy storage, providing high charge and discharge resistance for a longer service life thanks to the glass fiber technology. These smart generators are more efficient at low engine speeds as their high power allows the battery to be recharged quickly.

At mechanical box gears, the engine is automatically shut off after the neutral gear and the clutch pedal is released. If it is necessary to continue driving, it will be enough to press the clutch pedal again and the engine will automatically be ready for operation.

Video about the start-stop system:

With this ignition system and according to comparative car tests, emissions can be reduced by 5%, while consumption reductions can vary from 8% to 15% depending on the model. Undoubtedly, this ignition system fulfills a very interesting function in city travel, which can make a significant contribution to improving the satisfaction of the most dedicated and savvy drivers.

Frankfurt, better than Frankfurt

In celebration of the Frankfurt International Motor Show, which is being held these days, the following keys are offered for a good letter. The name in Spanish of the city where this room passes, with a tilde, is better than Frankfurt or Frankfurt. In addition, according to this, the plural is regular if it ends in a vowel and unchanging if it ends in a consonant.

Start and stop alternatives

Refurbished, better than a facelift. Shrinking - Decreasing the offset. Decreasing displacement or less displacement is possible in this context of contraction, so the phrase “The contraction counter is that in the long run the engine can last less” could be written like this: “versus reducing the displacement is that in the long term the engine can serve less. "

Start-stop system problems

The start-stop device has not only positive aspects, but also has. Due to the fact that when using such a device, the number of start modes increases significantly, it is necessary to use completely different types of starters that will cope with such an increased load. Conventional starters are not used in this case.

Spoiler, unnecessary anglicism

The rear spoiler is an unnecessary Anglicism, replaceable in Spanish by a rear wing, defined in the academic vocabulary as "in a car, a kind of fin that is placed on the top of the body, originally for aerodynamic purposes." The boxer's engine is on the opposite side of the Spanish cylinder engine, so news material such as Boxer's engine and transmission is brand new, it would be preferable to write it like this: Opposite cylinder engine and transmission is brand new.

Also, the installation of a start-stop system implies the use of a special type of rechargeable batteries that can easily withstand a large number of "discharge-charge" cycles. Such batteries are equipped with porous separators impregnated with electrolyte, which are placed between the battery plates and are able to prevent their destruction.

Prototype Equivalent to Concept

The prototype is an adequate equivalent to the concept of unnecessary Anglicism.

Unique model, one-time translation

A one-time Spanish equivalent to a unique model. Accordingly, instead of the birthday gift that made the mark, this “one-off” block intended for collection would be “a birthday gift made by the brand, this is a unique model meant for collection”.

The noun is written in lower case, as shown in the twenty-third edition of the academic dictionary. Its plural is regular: guitars. Diesel engine with tilde in first e, but gasoline engine or gasoline engine, not gasoline engine or gasoline engine. In some areas of America, a speaking voice is used, also valid according to Spelling.

It is important to note that the engine does not automatically shut off whenever the vehicle is stopped. The motor will not stop running in the following cases:

  • if the engine, namely the coolant, has not reached a temperature of 25 degrees;
  • if the heated windshield is turned on, or the air temperature in the cabin is 8 degrees lower than the one set by the climate control;
  • if the engine is not idling;
  • if there are problems with the generator;
  • if the car has stopped after reversing;
  • if the battery charge is not enough to start the engine again;
  • if the steering wheel is turned at a large angle during maneuvering.

All of the above processes are regulated, information from which is processed by the system control unit.

Of course, most repair specialists saw through their means some kind of vehicle that collects this technology, but it never hurts to find out how it happened and how it works. But how does it work? The principle of this mechanism is as simple as it is effective. When the car stops, the combustion engine is automatically shut off.

The engine starts with this system being very fast and economical. Measurements, according to the new European standardized cycle, showed savings in consumption and emissions of around 8%. In real urban traffic, savings can be up to 15%.

It is believed that the start-stop system, installed with your own hands or originally included in the configuration of the car, is capable of providing fuel savings of up to 10%. However, even if this figure is overestimated, the fuel consumption by the car will in any case be less, but the environmental side of the issue will definitely win, since the emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere are certainly less.

In combination with modern engine Otto, with a hot start, only the fuel needed for 0.7 seconds is consumed at idle. Thus, the feet are compensated from the first second, for humans and for the environment, says the brand. In addition, in many vehicles, the manufacturer warns, during battery replacement, an appropriate diagnostic tester is needed to reprogram this, as well as to program technical data such as capacity and serial number.

How does the Stop-Start system work?

But under no circumstances use ordinary acid and lead batteries. Prevent this system from replacing the conventional alternator of existing cars. This system will be based on a first generation system developed by one of the project partners and already installed in several European vehicle models.

Of the disadvantages of the start-stop device, it can also be noted that when the engine stops, the air conditioner also stops working.

Start-stop system with recuperation

The use of energy recovery during braking has found its way into start-stop systems. In this case, the control is carried out as follows: at a heavy load on the vehicle engine, the generator is switched off in order to save fuel; then it turns on during braking and the battery is recharged - energy is recovered.

In an automatic start and stop system, when the car comes to a stop, for example at a red light, the belt generator technology starting system stops the engine and restarts it quickly and quietly the moment the engine stops. it is indicated. The advantage is that, although the vehicle is in a neutral state, there is no fuel combustion, gas emissions, vibration or noise. According to experts, fuel consumption can be reduced by 6%, increasing this percentage to 25% in congested urban transport.


In the event that the battery charge falls below 75%, the start-stop with regeneration is automatically disabled. We can say that this special property is intelligence.

Many will ask how to disable such a device. And this is a logical question, because it happens that there is no need to turn off the engine. This can be done with a special button, which is located directly on the dashboard.

This offer will also be very beneficial for consumers as it will significantly save fuel. The second generation of reversible start-generator systems will enable European automakers to comply with these new restrictions and, in addition, improve fuel efficiency without the need for radical engine changes. European manufacturers won't be the only ones enjoying these benefits.

How does the start-stop system work?

We are in talks with the rest of the European automakers, - said Mr. de Bono. They also expressed their interest from Asia, especially China, where they have a particular interest in reducing energy consumption, and also from the United States, where they want to adjust to the 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers limit. participates in.

The video shows the operation of the start-stop system:

Summing up all of the above, we can conclude that the stop-start system allows several car owners for fuel, sometimes up to 8-10%. The car also saves the environment, because much less harmful exhaust gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Previously, only a few hybrid vehicles were equipped with such devices, but now more and more manufacturers want to install such equipment on their products.

Operation of the start-stop system

It provides project partners with access to a knowledge bank on skills and competencies in Europe and facilitates access to national and private funding schemes. Motorists spend a lot of time on traffic jams and paradoxical situations in cities. Stopping and walking again is a waste and a burden on your wallet and the environment.

To walk again, the driver simply engages the clutch and the engine automatically starts. After a split second, the engine control verifies that the engine is not running, the wheels are stationary, and that the battery has sufficient starting power. If so, the engine shuts down.

Recently, reading the characteristics of this or that car, you probably have already come across the words “Start-Stop” there, which is the name of one modern car system. What is it, why is it needed and how does it work? You will find answers to all these questions below.

What is Start-Stop?

So, the Start-Stop system of a car is a special system, the main purpose of which is to temporarily automatically turn off the engine at the moment of a complete stop of the car and then start it. In other words, it turns off the engine at the moment of braking, and when you press the gas pedal, it turns it on again. This function is very useful in traffic jams, at traffic lights and other similar situations, because it not only protects you from unnecessary noise by reducing the engine idling time, but also allows the car owner to save fuel (about 1 liter per 100 kilometers), and also reduces the amount harmful emissions the vehicle into the atmosphere.

The clutch disc is sufficient to start the engine again, quickly, quietly and reliably. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The service life of the starter motor is greatly increased for this application. In addition, a more powerful electric starter and a quieter gear mechanism provide reliable, quick and quiet engine starting. Despite the expansion of its functions, the starter is compact and can be easily and quickly installed on cars, as in other models. No additional settings for the drive system or engine compartment not required.

How does the system work?

"Start-Stop system" works as follows. During braking of the car, the control unit for this system receives a signal from the sensors about the change in speed, on the basis of which it stops the engine. The moment the driver, after stopping, presses the clutch pedal again in cars with manual transmission or releases the brake pedal in cars with automatic transmission, the Start-Stop system activates the starter and immediately starts the engine. The system repeats this procedure as many times as required on the road. However, if its sensors send a signal to the control unit that the battery has been discharged more than the value specified by the manufacturer, the system will automatically stop working until the battery is charged.

How does the system work?

The system's excellent cost-benefit ratio is impressive when compared to alternative products. Today it is sold in 140 countries and is produced in Russia, China, India, Romania, Venezuela and Brazil, its cradle. In fact, on this occasion, a completely new car was introduced, starting from the most visible side of the consumer. But what defines the car itself? When some manufacturer changes the body a little, he "gives a set" inside people say that this is "make-up", right? But if the engine, suspension and replacement also change?

Prerequisites for the functioning of the system.

Not everyone knows, but the Start-Stop system starts working only if a number of conditions are met, these are:

  • the hood and driver's door are closed;
  • the driver is wearing a seat belt;
  • vehicle speed is more than 4 km / h.

But that's not all. It turns out that even if the system is running, it happens that the engine is not turned off. This is possible under the following circumstances:

What if that doesn't mean sensitive price variation? But how could it be wrong, because engineers are relentlessly pursuing a goal, and commitment is more power with less consumption. Changes are smoother and do not require gear oil changes for the entire life of the vehicle.

The swaps take up to 8 seconds, which is much better and more intuitive than the buttons and - on the side of the lever as was the case in the previous version. Examples include the new front, floating screen, new seats, center console with integrated armrest and 20 object carriers.

  • the engine has not warmed up: as a rule, this situation is typical when the ambient temperature is below -25 degrees;
  • engine speed exceeds idle speed;
  • heated windshield is on;
  • the car stopped after engaging reverse gear;
  • the interior is not warmed up, that is, the temperature in it is much lower (by 8 degrees or more) set for the system;
  • the battery charge is insufficient, that is, less than the parameters set in the system;
  • there are problems with the generator;
  • the steering wheel is turned a significant angle, for example, due to the fact that a maneuver was performed in a parking lot.

In addition, there are cases when the Start-Stop system, on the contrary, can suddenly start up without the participation of the driver, for example, when the vehicle rolls down a slope, when the car accelerates to a speed of 4 km / h, etc.

The air conditioning system has been redesigned because, as it is a global vehicle, it must be suitable for the hottest countries in the world. It is in titanium version, which has a very stylish interior in light leather. Figure 07 - New and sophisticated interior of the titanium version Safety There are several systems to support driving a vehicle.

Visual and audible warnings are issued when wrong pressure outside the specified range. This is very important, because the tire, due to the pressure, reflects the handling of the car, affects the stability, the real safety factor, its behavior, as well as fuel consumption. Very low pressure significantly increases consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Start-Stop system.

The advantages of the automatic engine on / off system are:

  • saving on fuel;
  • reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere;
  • silence (you can't hear the roar of the engine) in the car in traffic jams and at traffic lights.

The disadvantages of the system are usually called:

  • increased load on the starter and battery;
  • moral fatigue from the functioning of the system during a long stay in traffic jams (easily eliminated by forced shutdown of the system).

Automakers are doing their best to improve the efficiency of their cars' engines. One of the ways to reduce the appetite of the powertrain is the start-stop system. In short, the purpose of this system is to save fuel and reduce emissions by reducing engine idle time.

According to the calculations of engineers, the car engine runs idle up to 30% of the time due to standing in traffic jams and at traffic lights. The principle of operation of the start-stop system is that the engine turns off when the machine stops and restarts when the clutch pedal is pressed, if the transmission is mechanical, or when the brake pedal is released in the case of an automatic transmission.

Until recently, the start-stop system was used only on cars with a hybrid power unit. Currently, the trend has changed. More and more manufacturers are starting to install it on cars with classic engines. internal combustion, both gasoline and diesel. According to experts' forecasts, by 2015 half of all manufactured passenger cars in the world.

A little background of the start-stop system

Japan is the birthplace of the start-stop system. For the first time, the engineers of Toyota started talking about the possibility of turning off the engine when the car was idle in the mid-70s of the last century. As a result, the luxury version of the Toyota Crown was equipped with a device that turned off the engine after 1.5 seconds of inactivity. Measurements showed that fuel consumption was reduced by 10%.

Ten years later, European manufacturers also began to install a similar system on some of their models. The pioneers were the Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Regatta EU. Much later, in the late nineties, Audi cars began to be equipped with a start-stop system, in particular, the Audi A2 3L (the 3L index indicated a fuel consumption of 3 liters per 100 km).

In the 2000s, other European manufacturers such as Citroen, BMW, Mini, Renault began to adopt the experience of the "pioneers". By now, almost all brands have this system in their arsenal.

How the start-stop system works

Structurally, the start-stop system consists of two elements: a device that provides multiple starting of the motor and a control system.
Multiple starting of the engine is realized in one of the following ways:

  • installation of a reinforced starter;
  • installation of a reversible generator (starter-generator);
  • injection of fuel into the cylinders and ignition of the working mixture.

The simplest and most reliable design came from Bosch. It was its name Stop & Start System that later became a household name. It is installed on BMW cars and Audi. On average, the level of harmful emissions and fuel consumption of cars is reduced by 8%.


The heart of Bosch is a special long-life starter designed for repeated frequent engine starts. The starter drive mechanism has a low noise level, so that the motor starts up unnoticed.

The control system is responsible for starting and stopping the engine, monitoring the charge (discharge) level of the battery. The latter is designed to disable the start-stop system when the battery is discharged.

The control system consists of a number of input sensors, actuators and a control unit. The input sensors include the crankshaft speed sensor, the brake pedal (clutch) position sensor, the battery charge level sensor and a bunch of other sensors that are part of the engine management system.

Own control unit this version it does not have a start-stop system, therefore all control functions are performed by the ECU by the engine, using specialized software.

The actuators include devices for auxiliary systems of the power unit - injectors, ignition coils and a starter.

In general, the Bosch system practically does not have its own unique elements; instead, existing sensors and devices are used. Thanks to this, the manufacturer has achieved high reliability and durability.

Conditions for the start-stop system

To prevent the motor from turning off when it is not required, engineers tie its operation to several conditions, moreover different manufacturers set different sets of parameters. The start-stop does not work when the engine is not warm due to the fact that the crankshaft speed at this time is higher than idle. Also, the start-stop will not be activated if the heating of mirrors, windows or seats is turned on, the generator is faulty or the battery is discharged, the car stopped after turning off reverse or the wheels are turned at a large angle (two last conditions do not allow the system to turn off the engine when maneuvering in a parking lot). In addition, the system is activated only when the speed of the car exceeds 4 km / h, while the driver's door must be closed, and the driver himself must be wearing a seat belt.


The manufacturer can also specify additional conditions for the system operation. For example, one of these may be the ambient temperature. In 2010, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport published tests of six cars: Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Mercedes S-class and BMW 3 series. All vehicles with diesel power units. Audi, BMW and Volkswagen were all equipped with a start-stop system.

The cars had to travel 200 km along winter roads... As a result, Audi and BMW system fired several times, while there was not a single trigger on the BMW. Hence, the conclusion suggests itself that subzero temperatures are also a limiting factor.

The scheme of work of the start-stop system on Audi cars

Works this system in the following way. When the car stops, the engine speed drops to idle, the crankshaft speed sensor sends a signal, and the ECU stops the engine. All included electrical consumers (headlights, air conditioner, etc.) continue to operate on the battery. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal or releases the brake, depending on the type of transmission, the control unit receives a signal from the sensor and restarts the engine. Then the cycle repeats.

As you can see, in an Audi car equipped with a start-stop system, the battery experiences increased loads and wears out much faster than in the same cars that do not have this system. To prevent the Bosch system from playing a cruel joke with the driver, the control unit continuously monitors the battery charge level. If the voltage at its terminals falls below a certain threshold, the system automatically shuts down. When the charge is restored, after a long trip or using charger, the system resumes operation on its own. If desired, the driver can turn it off forcibly by pressing a button on the control panel.

This is how the Idle Stop & Go system works on KIA cars... Unlike Audi, the generator in Korean cars, when the engine is heavily loaded, is turned off to reduce fuel consumption, and when braking, it turns on and charges the battery. When the charge level of the latter drops to 75%, the system turns off. Another difference between KIA and Audi is that the system is turned off when the air conditioner is turned on.

Reversible generator system

A system called STARS (Starter Alternator Reversible System) is produced by Valeo. It is used on Citroen and Mercedes cars.


Its main element is a reversible generator - an alternating current electric machine that works both as a generator and as a starter - depending on conditions. To work properly, it needs a special belt with a reversible tensioner that allows power to be transmitted both forward and backward.

The reversible generator does not generate noise during operation and turns on twice as fast as a conventional starter (0.4 seconds). Unlike the system used on Audi vehicles, STARS has its own control unit that interacts with the engine control unit. The principle of operation and the set of input sensors is similar to the previous version.

A further development of STARS is the use of a regenerative braking system. By recuperating the braking energy, it is possible to further reduce fuel consumption.

System with injection and ignition of a combustible mixture

This system, called SISS (Smart Idle Stop System), was developed by Mazda and is used on gasoline engines with direct injection. The principle of its operation is as follows.

When the engine turns off, the pistons stop in strictly defined positions that are most beneficial for the subsequent start of the power unit. After releasing the brake pedal, gasoline is injected into the cylinders, a discharge is supplied to the spark plugs, and the working mixture is ignited. In addition, the starter is switched on for a short time. SISS applies only to vehicles with automatic transmission.

Complaints about the start-stop system from users

Many car owners, especially those with turbocharged cars, are unhappy with the way the start-stop system works. For example, on Tiguan, all power units which are supercharged, they prefer to turn it off in order to extend the life of the turbine. At the same time, Volkswagen itself claims that the operation of this system is also designed for the fact that the engine is equipped with a turbocharger, and on the same Tiguan, the service life of the turbine does not decrease due to periodic engine shutdowns.

Also, many people note that the motor resumes its work too noticeably, a sound is heard and vibrations are felt. The last thing, which is difficult to argue with, on European cars, the battery suffers greatly, especially when driving in traffic jams. Of course, the system can be turned off, but it is not very convenient to do this every time.

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