What is the benefit of vehicle stop-start systems
With increasing restrictions on vehicle emissions, manufacturers are having to come up with more ways of lowering emission outputs.
Stop-start systems on vehicles are one way manufacturers are achieving this.
Stop-start systems serve two main purposes – to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
The system works by switching off the engine when you have come to a stop and then restarting it when you go to move off.
By not having the engine idling while you are sitting still, fuel is saved and emissions reduced. Manufacturers claim about a 5–8% fuel saving.
Like many technologies, each manufacturer has its own way of doing things and stop-start is no exception.
Some utilise a conventional-looking, though substantially up-rated, starting system while at the other end of the spectrum is a belt-driven combined starter/alternator unit.
Hybrid models typically use a traction motor/generator for engine start.
Similarly, the vehicle’s electrical system can resemble a conventional system, incorporate an extra battery for starting or even a high-tech super-capacitor just to run the starter.
Most systems provide a switch that allows the driver to disable the function if desired.
Stop-start systems operate within defined parameters which will, to some degree, vary from maker to maker.
Generally, though, the system will not operate unless the vehicle is stationary, the engine is at operating temperature, the battery has a certain level of charge and the cabin temperature is within a certain range.
Gearshift, brake pedal, handbrake lever position and, for manual vehicles, clutch pedal position are also factors in the system’s operation.
Stop-start operation is generally inhibited if there is high electrical load, as would be the case with a discharged battery, or when there is high demand on the heater or airconditioner.
More articles
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.