Do Honda Cars Turn Their Engines Off at Stop Signs?
Since the early 2000s, Honda has been equipping its vehicles with an Idle Stop System (ISS). The ISS is designed to save fuel and reduce emissions by automatically turning off the engine when the car is stopped at a stoplight or stop sign.
The ISS is not available on all Honda models, and it can be disabled by the driver if desired. However, many Honda owners find that the ISS is a useful feature that can help them save money on gas and reduce their environmental impact.
How Does the Idle Stop System Work?
The ISS uses a variety of sensors to determine when the car is stopped and when it is safe to turn off the engine. These sensors include:
- A brake pedal sensor
- A transmission position sensor
- A coolant temperature sensor
- A battery voltage sensor
When the car is stopped and the brake pedal is depressed, the ISS will turn off the engine. The engine will also turn off if the car is put into park or neutral.
If the coolant temperature is too low, the battery voltage is too low, or the car is in a low gear, the ISS will not turn off the engine.
Benefits of the Idle Stop System
The ISS can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Reduced emissions
- Quieter operation
- Extended engine life
According to Honda, the ISS can save up to 5% on fuel consumption. This can add up to significant savings over the life of the car.
The ISS can also help to reduce emissions by up to 10%. This is because the car is not burning fuel when the engine is off.
The ISS can also make the car quieter when it is stopped. This is because the engine is not running, so there is no noise from the exhaust or the engine itself.
Finally, the ISS can help to extend the life of the engine. This is because the engine is not running when the car is stopped, so it is not subject to the wear and tear that occurs when the engine is running.
Disadvantages of the Idle Stop System
The ISS also has some potential disadvantages, including:
- It can be annoying to some drivers
- It can interfere with some aftermarket accessories
Some drivers find the ISS to be annoying because it turns off the engine every time the car stops. This can be especially annoying in stop-and-go traffic.
The ISS can also interfere with some aftermarket accessories, such as remote starters and alarm systems. This is because the ISS can turn off the engine when the car is in park or neutral, which can prevent the aftermarket accessory from working properly.
Conclusion
The Idle Stop System is a useful feature that can help Honda owners save money on gas and reduce their environmental impact. However, the ISS also has some potential disadvantages, so it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether or not to use it.
