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Engine off at traffic lights: Not always a good idea

2022-09-18T13:07:52.819Z


Engine off at traffic lights: not always a good idea Created: 09/18/2022, 15:00 By: Marcus Efler Fuel is expensive, the climate on the brink – and economical driving is the order of the day. Nevertheless, it is not always advisable to switch off the engine during a short stop. With fuel prices in excess of two euros per liter and an ongoing discussion about climate-damaging internal combustion


Engine off at traffic lights: not always a good idea

Created: 09/18/2022, 15:00

By: Marcus Efler

Fuel is expensive, the climate on the brink – and economical driving is the order of the day.

Nevertheless, it is not always advisable to switch off the engine during a short stop.

With fuel prices in excess of two euros per liter and an ongoing discussion about climate-damaging internal combustion engines, every driver is probably considering how and where he can save fuel.

In any case, if it is not yet on the road electrically.

A few easy-to-follow tips are effective in reducing the size of the fuel bill, at least a little.

Doesn't always make sense: engine off during a short stop.

© Christin Klose/dpa-tmn

Engine off at traffic lights: not always a good idea

One of these tips is: "Switch off the engine if it is parked for a long time".

Logically, an engine that is not running does not burn petrol or diesel.

However, the restriction “in the event of a longer service life” is important here.

Which means: For several minutes, for example at a level crossing with the barrier closed, turning the ignition key (or pressing the start-stop button) makes sense and is also necessary - the short stop before the red traffic light (or the green arrow) in the car City traffic can hardly be meant by that.

Engine off at traffic lights: risky in older cars

But why not?

After all, modern cars use the stop-start automatic system to switch off the engine at almost every stop, no matter how short, and switch it on again when you step on the gas pedal.

But in these models, the starter and battery are specially designed for this type of load.

However, there could be problems with other vehicles.

Switching off the engine prematurely can have the following disadvantages:

  • In older cars in particular, several starting processes in a row put too much strain on the battery, so that after a while it may give out and the engine will no longer start.

    It's not a good feeling when you're standing in the lane before the intersection.

  • Basically, stopping when the engine is still cold does more harm than good for the environment and your wallet.

    Each restart then burns more fuel and blows more pollutants into the air than would have been the case if the engine was running.

    Cars with automatic stop-start take engine and outside temperature into account when making their on or off decision.

  • Road safety can also suffer.

    If the ignition is switched off completely, the brake lights, windscreen wipers and the windscreen blower will not work either.

    Therefore, at least that level should remain active at which the electrics still work (with the start button: press again after switching off without accelerating).

also read

Set the parking disc correctly: You have to pay attention to three points 

Auto Hold: Unknown button in many new cars - that's what you need it for

Whether and when it makes sense to stop the engine naturally also depends on the car model.

As a rule of thumb, if you can expect a stop of at least 30 seconds, it's worth it.

Don't miss anything: you can find everything to do with cars in the regular car newsletter from our partner tz.de.

Of course, you should also refrain from a bad habit that is unfortunately widespread: manually deactivating the stop-start system in modern cars.

Because that undoubtedly drives up consumption in city traffic, and with it costs and pollutant emissions.

Source: merkur

All tech articles on 2022-09-18

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