The Wretched Start/Stop Button Is DEAD

[Gogar]

The start/stop button is not dead for new cars,

It's just that you don't have the button and can't turn it on or off. "THEY" will have the button.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

There are also safety concerns with it. I don't like my vehicle sitting with the engine off on a public road, even if its a stop sign or red light. (especially a stop sign) What happens if I need to suddenly move out of the way when seconds count?

It doesn't take seconds to restart, the restart cycle begins as soon as you let pressure off the brake.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by masraum

That's a marvel of modern engineering, especially when you think about the fact that my boxster is reported to get 18/26mpg. I usually get ~22.5mpg with mostly interstate driving.

Yep, my 2025 Ford Explorer weighs almost 5000lbs, has a 2.3L 4 cyl turbo and gets 60mph in 6 seconds. I do have a lead foot though so I get a fairly dismal 21MPG in mixed driving.

[911 Rod]

Starter motors do not usually last the life of a car.
This start/stop feature it is almost guaranteed that the car will die on the rod and not parked like a regular car.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by wilnj

It doesn't take seconds to restart, the restart cycle begins as soon as you let pressure off the brake.

I understand it restarts quickly, my 2021 Rubicon is equipped with one. My point is that in an emergency, time is measured in fractions of a second. for example, if a vehicle is about to rear end me or something is coming into the intersection, I may need to move immediately, even if the light is red. In situations like that milliseconds matter. I prefer the engine already running so there’s zero added delay.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

I understand it restarts quickly, my 2021 Rubicon is equipped with one. My point is that in an emergency, time is measured in fractions of a second. for example, if a vehicle is about to rear end me or something is coming into the intersection, I may need to move immediately, even if the light is red. In situations like that milliseconds matter. I prefer the engine already running so there’s zero added delay.

I know I'm being pedantic, but you did say seconds, not milliseconds.

[daepp]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

All good points, it does save fuel, modern starters can take it, it's annoying, it can't be great for the engine..
There's also different tech. My wife (bless her heart) loves land rover products (generally viewed as the most unreliable cars ever made this side of Maserati). Her latest Discovery is a mild hybrid (48V) which means absolutely nothing for anything except the starter, I quote "48-volt belt-integrated starter generator (BISG) to manage engine stop-start, harvesting energy during deceleration to store in an under-floor battery". That is smooth as hell and as much as I hate start stop, it's shake free and quick enough I do not mind (as much)...

To your point, my wife's S Class does the same with a separate battery.

That said, it still doesn't address the momentary lack of oil pressure every time you lift your foot off the brake, and any excessive wear that may occur.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by wilnj

I know I'm being pedantic, but you did say seconds, not milliseconds.

You’re right, milliseconds is more accurate but my point isn’t about the unit of time, it’s about the principle. In a sudden emergency even very small delays can matter. Whether it’s seconds or milliseconds doesn’t change the underlying concern.

[911 Rod]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

You’re right, milliseconds is more accurate but my point isn’t about the unit of time, it’s about the principle. In a sudden emergency even very small delays can matter. Whether it’s seconds or milliseconds doesn’t change the underlying concern.

Not to mention the instant pucker during that millisecond.

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by rwest

I wonder if the hate for the auto start/stop is a generational thing? Probably all of us older folks...

Yes but not for the reason you speculated. Most (I did not say all) younger people today don't have the knowledge of ICE physics and mechanics. This is mainly due to the serviceability of a 60's-70's engine versus 2010-20's engine. Heck, in my day (yeah I know) virtually every healthy male knew how to change a flat tire and check the oil. Many could do their own tune-ups (I will concede I don't miss adjusting points) or replace a battery. Now? You can't do much of anything without having spec manufacturer tools and/or software. Most cars don't even have a spare.

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Is there anything other than the sound (or lack of) and the tach, that effects the car when it shuts down?

Physics & mechanics. The greatest amount of engine wear happens at startup. A motor not up to full operating temperature burns more fuel at startup. Greater stress on the battery and greater wear on starters.

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Worth a question though - if it saves a tiny bit of gas but leads to premature failure of your starter or engine, is it really friendly for the environment?

No, it is friendly for the service dept at the stealership (known fact: the dealer make more in the service and parts depts than they do in the sales dept.
Also, Politicians: the blood sucking parasites poli (many) ticks (parasites) got their face on the 7 pm news to pat themselves on the back and tell everyone they are environmentally concerned...

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

I understand it restarts quickly, my 2021 Rubicon is equipped with one. My point is that in an emergency, time is measured in fractions of a second. for example, if a vehicle is about to rear end me or something is coming into the intersection, I may need to move immediately, even if the light is red. In situations like that milliseconds matter. I prefer the engine already running so there’s zero added delay.

Ours is running before my foot is off the brake.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by masraum

I wonder about the "startup wear" bit. Since the motor likely sits for <30 secs most of the time, how much extra wear are we talking (assuming good oil is used and changed on schedule, of course, the modern schedules are crap). I'm not saying that I don't believe it, I'm just curious how much of a difference it makes since the oil is still in place (hasn't had time to run down). I get that there are lots of factors at play, hot oil will run faster. Modern cars run super thin oil to begin with, etc.... So it certainly sounds like it could accelerate wear.

And I've always thought that it could/would wear the started faster. But it's also been years since I had to replace a starter in anything < knock, knock, knock >.

Fair point, the worst wear is cold starts. I’m sure a hot start isn’t nearly as bad as a cold tight engine with minimal lubrication. But I’m sure it’s not nothing either. It’s not like most cars have an electric oil pump to keep pressure up while sitting idle at a red light.

To Joe’s point a couple of posts prior, it’s not like dealerships and car companies care, especially post warranty.

[stevej37]

Sport mode defeats the stop/start function in my SI
First thing I do after hitting the start button is move the flip switch to Sport mode.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Ours is running before my foot is off the brake.

Is that faster than an engine that’s already running?

[Por_sha911]

The dealer service department doesn't mind warranty work (even though they make less money) because while you are there... wipers, oil change, belts, flush radiator, air filters, tires... are all heavy profit out of warranty items. There is a reason they give you a 'free' 18 point inspection.