Stop-start is it worth it

[gord115]

Considering how many new cars have stop-start nowadays,it would be interesting to know how thes systems perform on very short commutes.

These systems are appearing more and more on superminis, and with the average commute being less than 5 miles, wouldn't it be in the readers interest if road tests let us know how far you have to drive on a cold day before thes systems begin to work?

After all not everyone has a nice warm garage annd a log commute.

Maybe then we will have a better idea of whether or not these systems are worth it or not.

Any thoughts?

[anonymous-user]

Depends upon your deffintion of "worth" lol!

A typical 4cyl 1.6 litre engine uses in the order of 2 l/hr of fuel, so leave it idling for an hr and it "costs" you about £2.20.

As you say, on cold days, or with a/c on, or lights /heated seats on etc, then the amount of time "stopped" vs that running to keep battery and cabin status will be limited.

If you drive in london, then it's probably useful, if you do motorway or cross country miles less so.

If you have to pay for it (extra option say on purchase price) then it is unlikely to ever payback financially.

However, to the manufacture, it's worth it to get approx 8% off the drivecycle CO2 number (which may also help bring you car down a taxband, and then it is deffinately worth it!!)

[Tallbut Buxomly]

Wroks well in some applications such as bmw's whos system really works and is visible in overall terms but in their case its heavily helped by their having some of the best engines on the market.

[RobM77]

I started the engine on my new car earlier on to check over some things, and watched the mpg for my ten mile journey drop steadily as the minutes wore on. I was surprised how much it fell. Based on that, I would definitely say it's worth it!

[gord115]

RobM77 said:

I started the engine on my new car earlier on to check over some things, and watched the mpg for my ten mile journey drop steadily as the minutes wore on. I was surprised how much it fell. Based on that, I would definitely say it's worth it!

Have you tried the same journey with stop-start turned on and then next day with it off for a comparison?

[martin mrt]

Had it on our 118d and TBH the fuel economy difference between that and our non ED 330d Auto suggests it's a waste of time

[Bungleaio]

Have the manufacturers beefed up the starter motors for this?

[TRUENOSAM]

NeMiSiS said:

It's a gimmick to show the manufacturer is trying to think green.

True and also to reduce the tax costs

[JimNotJon]

My Merc van has it, a total waste of time in my oppinion. I have never found my self in a long enough jam to warrent using it here in Lincoln. When I have been sat there, I just use the ignition, simples.

Edited by JimNotJon on Tuesday 2nd November 19:36

[randomwalk]

The starter motor and battery must have a reduced life with all that stop and starting. Also would not the fuel demand on start up be more than idle?

[maniac0796]

RobM77 said:

I started the engine on my new car earlier on to check over some things, and watched the mpg for my ten mile journey drop steadily as the minutes wore on. I was surprised how much it fell. Based on that, I would definitely say it's worth it!

Ever considered that when you're not moving, you're doing 0mpg?

[Camaro91]

The manufacturer may not care if the starter is up to the job... it's the same as when some dealers claimed that transmission fluid is 'sealed in for life'... by the time a major failure occurs it's outside of the warranty period anyway.

I hope they don't start applying the technology to vans... how you meant to stay warm on a night shift then!

[HellDiver]

I read somewhere that you'd need to do 210k a year for 3 years to make up the difference in price on a Stop/Start Focus compared to the same model without Stop/Start.

[Farrant]

What about porsche fitting it to the panamera turbo? 4.7 litre v8, and the worrying about an extra 2mpg? Same with ferrari's plans to fit it to the new california (I think). Surely pointless.

[lost in espace]

Farrant said:

What about porsche fitting it to the panamera turbo? 4.7 litre v8, and the worrying about an extra 2mpg? Same with ferrari's plans to fit it to the new california (I think). Surely pointless.

Not pointless to a sportscar manufacturer for whom every co2 counts though. Bloody EU.

[Martin Keene]

Bungleaio said:

Have the manufacturers beefed up the starter motors for this?

I very much hope so. It really hammers starter and battery life.

[JungleJim]

RobM77 said:

I started the engine on my new car earlier on to check over some things, and watched the mpg for my ten mile journey drop steadily as the minutes wore on. I was surprised how much it fell. Based on that, I would definitely say it's worth it!

going nowhere, burning fuel...you don't say

[briers]

Waste of time and money

All to get the numbers down and meet reg's.