How Does Car Start/Stop Technology Work?

There’s an old wives’ tale floating around the internet that suggests that starting a car eats up more fuel than letting it idle for an hour. While cold starts tend to suck down a fair amount of gas when you first turn the ignition key, it’s the exact opposite when the engine is at optimal running temperature.

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This is why so many new car manufacturers are incorporating start/stop technology into their automobiles. The Society of Automotive Engineers ran a study that found that modern stop/start systems actually help increase fuel economy by over eight percent when running in heavy traffic. Over time, this can add up to a tremendous amount of fuel—and money—savings.

Read on to learn more about how stop/start technology works and one critical component of that system that uses more power than you may realize.

Start/Stop Technology

While each car manufacturer has their own proprietary system, they all work very similarly. When you apply the brakes, and your car comes to a complete stop, the ECU cuts both fuel and spark, thereby instantly shutting the engine down. When you take your foot off of the brake, the computer re-engages the fuel and spark, and your car starts right back up.

One of the initial downsides to early start/stop technology was that it tended to put a strain on the starter motor from a mechanical perspective. Automotive manufacturers realized this early on and solved the problem by beefing it up to withstand hundreds of thousands of on/off cycles.

The Start/Stop Car Battery

A vital component of the stop/start technology is the car battery. This is because the starting process requires a considerable amount of energy to provide power to the spark plug, which allows the engine to turn over.

Just one trip running errands around town will require your engine to start and stop many times over. A standard starter battery (SLI) is not designed to turn a car off and on multiple times in a relative quick succession, or continuously charge and discharge it.

Once the car is turned over, the generator takes over and provides on-demand power to the assorted electronics, such as the navigation and infotainment system. This means that there is no charge being sent back to the battery when the generator is operational.

Bottom line: if you were to have a standard car battery powering the stop/start technology inside your car, it would get depleted in a very short period of time. Your run-of-the-mill standard auto battery just isn’t going to cut it.

Why You Need a Superior Battery

Consider the last time you left your house to run some errands. You probably got stuck at a few traffic lights along the way. While your car’s engine is technically turned off, the infotainment, computer, and other electrical systems still require power.

The load is further increased by continuous stopping and starting of the engine. In short, driving short distances puts a heavy strain on car batteries. This is compounded in cold climates where the battery will outright refuse to accept a full charge.

It’s recommended that you only use superior performance AGM batteries, such as those from Continental Battery when replacing the battery on your stop/start car. There are three distinct advantages to an AGM battery powering your vehicle:

Balanced Charge State – In most modern vehicles, an AGM battery is powered by the generator and fed energy from the braking energy recovery system. Unlike standard car batteries, which need to be kept fully charged at all times, an AGM battery can operate in a partially charged state and still provide extra capacity to store the braking energy.

Superior Cold Starts – AGM batteries provide a substantial cold start current. They reduce the running time of the starter motor by providing a powerful boost of energy. Due to the inherent cycle stability, they can stop and start the engine many times over without the risk of problems arising.

Excellent Reserve Capacity – AGM batteries have high reserve capacity. This means they can provide the high-power demands required by today’s modern vehicles no matter what state of charge they’re in. In short, an AGM battery is way more efficient than a standard car battery.

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Continental Batteries

Today’s modern cars, trucks, and vans that have start/stop technology require a specialized battery that’s specifically designed to provide the on-demand power that they need. Continental AGM+ Batteries provide excellent start/stop power while at the same time feeding the electronics that power your vehicle.

At Continental Battery, we’ve been providing our customers with high-quality batteries for well over 85 years. We’re dedicated to developing and maintaining great, and long-lasting customer relationships that are backed up by our superior quality products.

Engine start-stop technology has gained significant attention over the years as a fuel-saving and eco-friendly innovation. While it’s designed to optimize efficiency and reduce emissions, many drivers wonder whether the frequent starting and stopping can lead to premature wear on critical components like the starter motor and battery. If this thought has crossed your mind, you’re at the right place. Let’s see how this technology works, what its impact is on your vehicle, and what you can do to ensure your car remains in peak condition.

How Does Engine Start-Stop Technology Work

Start-stop technology is straightforward yet highly effective. When you bring your car to a complete stop—say, at a red light—the system automatically shuts off the engine. The moment you lift your foot off the brake or press the accelerator, the engine restarts instantly. This process helps save fuel and reduces emissions during idle times.

The technology relies on several components, including an advanced starter motor and a specially designed battery. These components are engineered to handle the frequent cycles of stopping and starting that are typical of this system.

Does It Wear Out the Starter Motor

It’s a valid concern—after all, traditional starters weren’t designed for constant engagement. However, the starter motors in vehicles equipped with start-stop technology are far more robust than their conventional counterparts. Manufacturers have upgraded these components to withstand the increased use, making them more durable and efficient.

These enhanced starter motors feature:

• Improved Materials: Designed to handle high thermal and mechanical stress.
• Faster Engagement: Ensuring quick and seamless engine restarts.
• Extended Lifespan: Engineered to last significantly longer than traditional starters.

So, while it’s true that the starter is used more frequently, the upgraded design ensures it can handle the demands of start-stop technology without excessive wear.

What About the Battery

The battery is another critical component in the start-stop system. Unlike standard car batteries, vehicles with this technology use advanced batteries, such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery). These batteries are specifically designed to support the high energy demands of frequent starting and stopping.

Here’s how these batteries differ:

• Higher Capacity: They can store more energy to handle frequent restarts.
• Faster Charging: The alternator recharges them more quickly, ensuring they’re ready for the next stop.
• Improved Durability: They’re built to withstand more charge and discharge cycles than traditional batteries.

Despite their durability, these batteries can still wear out over time, especially if your vehicle isn’t regularly maintained. Factors like extreme temperatures, infrequent use, or a failing alternator can accelerate battery degradation.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Starter and Battery

If you’re concerned about the longevity of your starter and battery, routine maintenance is your best defense. Here’s what you can do:

• Regular Inspections: Have your battery and starter checked during routine maintenance to catch potential issues early.
• Keep Your Battery Charged: Avoid leaving your car unused for extended periods, as this can drain the battery.
• Replace Components When Needed: Don’t wait for a failure—replace the battery or starter when they show signs of wear.
• Optimize System Usage: If you’re in stop-and-go traffic for long periods, consider temporarily disabling the start-stop system if your vehicle allows it.

By taking these steps, you can maximize the lifespan of these critical components and enjoy the benefits of start-stop technology without worry.

The Benefits of The Engine Start-Stop Technology

While concerns about wear and tear are understandable, it’s important to remember the benefits that start-stop systems offer. These include:

• Fuel Savings: By shutting off the engine during idle periods, you save fuel and reduce trips to the gas station.
• Lower Emissions: Reduced idling means fewer pollutants are released into the air, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Quiet Operation: With the engine off during stops, the cabin remains quieter, particularly in heavy traffic.

Modern start-stop systems are designed to minimize inconvenience and maximize efficiency, making them a worthwhile addition to many vehicles.

How to Know If Your System Needs Attention

If your start-stop system isn’t working as expected, it could be a sign that something needs attention. Common indicators include:

• The system failing to engage or disengage properly.
• A longer delay when restarting the engine.
• Warning lights on the dashboard related to the battery or start-stop system.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a professional to avoid further complications.

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