The following automatic system contributes to the reduction
of fuel consumption in standing and waiting phases at traffic lights or in
traffic jams: The automatic start-stop system. Under certain conditions,
preferably in city traffic, the system either turns the engine on or off.
Who
invented the start-stop system?
Often one considers the start-stop automatic for a very
modern technology, in fact, the start-stop system was already developed in the
1970s: And that of Toyota . The Japanese provided a Toyota Crown with
electronics, which shut off the engine 1.5 seconds after the stop and restarted
it after the clutch was actuated. This system was far ahead of its time and was
then forgotten again for a few years. In the early 1980s also presented Audi
and VWa start-stop system. The engine could be switched off at the push of a
button and started automatically when the clutch was actuated. For even lower
fuel consumption, gearboxes with a particularly long translated fifth gear were
installed. But the majority of drivers were still not ready for the system.
From 1994 VW produced the Golf III Ecomatic with start-stop automatic and
automatic clutch. Also this attempt was not accepted by the buyer layer, the
Ecomatic sold only scarcely 2000 times.
Many names,
one face: the automatic start-stop system
Shortly after the millennium, it was time for a new attempt.
The issue of global warming was on everyone's lips and the car buyers were
willing to adapt to the new systems to reduce fuel consumption. A large number
of manufacturers launched low-fuel-consumption and low-pollutant models in the
first years of the new millennium. Volkswagen, for example, mentions the most
fuel-efficient model in a class "BlueMotion" , but the package with
various optimization measures calls it "BlueMotion Technology". At
Mercedes-Benz , low-consumption models carry the title
"BlueEFFICIENCY" , Seat chose the designation "GreenLine"
or "Ecomotive"and Ford christened the models "ECOnetic" .
Among other things, VW offers the Golf and the Polo with start-stop system,
Seat Ibiza and the Alhambra . From Ford is among other things, the Kuga as a
fuel-efficient model on offer.
What is an
automatic start-stop system and how does this system work?
If a vehicle has an automatic start-stop system, it is
equipped with an automatic system for reducing fuel consumption. In stance
phases (eg when stopping at a red traffic light), this system automatically
shuts off the engine and restarts it as soon as the driver wishes to continue
the journey. Thus, an automatic start-stop system, especially in city traffic,
reduces fuel consumption.
What
functions and advantages does the start-stop system offer?
All of these vehicles have a standard start-stop system in
common, many also have other measures to reduce fuel consumption, such as
low-friction tires, recuperation (braking energy recovery) and an
aerodynamically optimized body . In addition, the various models combine
another feature: they help save fuel without compromising on driving pleasure.
As soon as the car comes to a standstill, say at a red light, the start-stop
system shuts off the engine and restarts it as soon as the driver can or wants
to continue.
How good
and fast is a start-stop automatic
Anyone who now thinks that the engine at a red light when
jumping to green impossible in time to run again and the vehicle can be ready
to drive, is mistaken. If you stop the vehicle at a red light and put it into
neutral (the automatic brake presses down on the brake pedal), the automatic
start-stop system arranges the engine to switch off. As soon as the traffic
light turns green and you engage the clutch to engage the first gear (with the
automatic off the brake), the system starts the engine and you can continue immediately,
as if the engine had run the entire red phase. Only with the one difference
that the engine was switched off and the automatic start-stop system saved you
valuable fuel. Many vehicle models like Vans, Limousines and station wagons are
available with start-stop system. But beware: Some automatic start / stop
systems react sometimes too fast when switching off. The system sometimes even
turns off the engine, if you do not want it, for example, if you break
something sharper until the car stops. Immediate starting does not always work
with this system in the direct connection without a long standing phase,
because once the motor switches off, you can often only start with a time
delay. Thus, an automatic start-stop system can quickly become an annoying
affair in the urban driving environment. A test drive is therefore always
worthwhile. Whether brand loyalty or manufacturer change, test out this system
and then decide whether an automatic start-stop system is suitable for them.
How much
fuel can be saved with the automatic start-stop system?
According to the manufacturer, the start-stop system can save
up to 15% fuel. However, this statement cannot be generalized. How much fuel
can be saved with the automatic start-stop system, of course, depends on where
you drive. In the big city with a lot of downtime at traffic lights, the system
naturally has a faster impact on fuel consumption than on the highway. But even
if you are stuck in a traffic jam, the automatic start-stop system helps you to
save fuel. And if you do not like your car turning off the engine at every red
light, do not worry, the automatic start-stop system can still be switched off
at the push of a button.
What are
the disadvantages of a start-stop system?
In addition to the too
fast switching off the engine and the delayed start following, above all the
wear of the battery, the starter and the transmission flywheel by the excessive
stress plays a significant role when it comes to the disadvantages of the
automatic start-stop. To counteract the wear and tear, many manufacturers use
higher quality starters, alternators and batteries. The components concerned become
more expensive and after the guarantee and warranty the buyer remains at the
expense. In addition, the radio, air conditioning, heating and lighting also
draw energy when the engine is off, thus consuming the battery of the car
during this time. By the Increased starting and stopping the engine, the engine
oil is claimed. Here one should rely on special or high-performance oils. Most
of these engine oils are not cheap and the saving potential for the environment
and energy is low. If the starter and other components are of such high quality
that the wear is only slight or occurs very late, an investment in the
automatic start-stop system is nevertheless worthwhile in order to save fuel
and thus money.
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