Let’s be honest, unless you’re a dedicated petrolhead then there are probably at least a few buttons in your car whose purpose are something of a mystery to you. Most of the time that’s fine – you can probably get along driving your car perfectly well without them.
On the other hand though there are some which can be surprisingly useful – particularly in the case of the unassuming Auto Stop/Start button, which can go quite a way to helping you save on fuel. That’s especially handy in the current economic climate, where fuel might not be quite as expensive as it has been in recent years, but is still significantly higher than it was pre-pandemic (and looking to stay that way). So if you’ve recently bought a car from one of our own salvage car auctions and you’re looking at getting the best out of it when it comes to fuel, here’s what you need to know.
What is the Auto Stop/Start button?
The name might not be massively catchy, but it basically does exactly what it sounds like – it activates a feature that automatically switches off your engine when the car comes to a complete stop. Then once you take your foot off the brake (or clutch, for cars with manual transmissions), it automatically starts the engine again.
There are a couple of tangible benefits to this system. One of the main changes is that it limits the amount of fuel you spend while idling. It’s easy to underestimate exactly how much fuel your car burns while idling, so if you live in a major city or you frequently find yourself dealing with traffic jams, you may well be amongst the drivers who benefit the most from this feature.
So, to summarise its main benefits quickly, the system:
- Improves your fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long term
- Lowers your emissions, helping your vehicle to meet ever-stricter emissions requirements
Now, there are a couple of key considerations. The frequent restarting of the engine can sometimes place extra strain on the battery and starter motor, so if it’s a secondhand car from one of our salvage car auctions, that’s something you’ll want to bear in mind. Sometimes it’s a matter of personal choice too – some people may find the constant stopping and restarting somewhat disconcerting, although happily most modern systems are designed to be as seamless as possible.
Where can I find it in my car?
The button often looks like an A, with a small circular arrow. It tends to be on or around the steering wheel. It’s not a universal inclusion on every car – it’s more likely to be present on newer models, whereas older vehicles or salvage cars might not have it. It’s also more likely to be present on models from certain manufacturers.
Examples include:
- BMW: Many BMW models feature an advanced version of the system called “Auto Start/Stop.”
- Ford: Ford’s “Auto-Start-Stop” technology is available across various models, enhancing fuel efficiency.
- Audi: Audi includes auto stop/start in many of its newer models to meet emission standards.
Happily, if you’re not sure, it’s generally not too tricky to look up details of your specific model online, especially if it’s been manufactured in the last 10 years or so. If it turns out your car doesn’t have one though, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a great range of top tips to save fuel!
Alternatively, if you’re thinking about repairing or replacing your car, you’re in exactly the right place. Here at RAW2K We take pride in providing you with a huge range of salvage cars to choose from in our online car auctions, including not just models from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen, as well as a range of other world-famous brands like Mercedes, Honda and Peugeot. Our auctions are refreshed on a daily and weekly basis, so there are always bargains to be found. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
