The most current and advanced cars have technologies to make the car better and more available for everyone. But it is also true that, depending on its use, there are some that can cause our vehicle to suffer more than necessary with major breakdowns. It is precisely what we have with the Start/Stop system (known as start/stop) and that must be watched.
The Start/Stop system can cause side effects
As we say, the Start/Stop system is among the technologies that the most advanced and current cars have. Whether it is a city car or a sports car, it will include this function with the aim of reducing emissions and overall consumption .
In fact, and according to RACE data, with the Start/Stop system, the emission of gases and particles that are harmful to the environment can be reduced by 5%. Regarding fuel savings, consumption can be reduced between 8% and 15%, depending on the vehicle and the use that is given to it.
Thus, we can say that what we have with this electrical technology is a solution to prevent cars from continuing to pollute during those moments. In this way, it is increasingly easier to adapt to European emission regulations. Likewise, if we do not take full care of it, we can see some breakdowns at some point, regardless of the type of engine and technology it uses.
Possible risks of this electrical technology
But let’s go in parts. This technology is made up of a reinforced starter motor, a more capable battery and an optimized internal combustion engine so as not to be penalized in lubrication and cooling by continuous stop and start events .
In these, and as a general rule, the Start/Stop systems are fed by the vehicle’s sensors to know what we want to do. The engine stops whenever we stop the vehicle or decelerate to speeds below 5 km/h. Thus, the start occurs well when we release the brake pedal in automatic cars or activate the clutch in cars with a manual gearbox.
If the first cars with Start/Stop made the stop-start process noticeable and even uncomfortable, today its operation is almost instantaneous. But then, what are the risks?
Premature battery wear
From this point of view, the system works and helps to pollute less. However, it can also have long-term negative effects on the car’s engine. For example, premature battery wear .
It is true that the architecture is designed to withstand many more stop and start cycles, but, in the long run, it can accelerate the wear of these components , the cost of which is high to repair or replace.
An excess of temperature
Another problem that the stop and start system can cause is excess temperature. There are situations in which the operation of the system can be counterproductive, for example, when the motor is used intensively , which requires a significant effort from the mechanics.
In these cases, a rest period is important so that the coolant and oil reduce the engine temperature, avoiding sources of heat.
The alternator can be weak
One of the components that can suffer from the continuous updating of the Start/Stop is the alternator, which can be weakened. It must be taken into account that every time this system turns the car off and on, there is a minimal delay in the lubrication of the engine that can cause wear inside.
Likewise, when this system acts, a voltage drop occurs. Thus, for its part, a constant repetition of this situation, in the long run, can harm some systems such as the air compressor, the infotainment system, the radio…