Why Do New Cars Engines Turn Off?
Introduction
In recent years, more and more new cars have been equipped with an engine stop-start system. This system automatically turns off the engine when the car is stopped, and then restarts it when the driver presses the gas pedal. Engine stop-start systems are designed to save fuel and reduce emissions, but they can also be disconcerting for drivers who are not used to them.
How Do Engine Stop-Start Systems Work?
Engine stop-start systems use a variety of sensors to determine when the car is stopped and when it is time to restart the engine. These sensors include:
* **Vehicle speed sensor:** This sensor measures the speed of the car. When the car is stopped, the vehicle speed sensor sends a signal to the engine stop-start system, which then turns off the engine.
* **Brake pedal sensor:** This sensor detects when the brake pedal is pressed. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pedal sensor sends a signal to the engine stop-start system, which then turns off the engine.
* **Transmission position sensor:** This sensor detects the position of the transmission. When the transmission is in neutral, the transmission position sensor sends a signal to the engine stop-start system, which then turns off the engine.
Once the engine stop-start system has determined that the car is stopped, it will turn off the engine. The engine will then restart automatically when the driver presses the gas pedal.
Benefits of Engine Stop-Start Systems
Engine stop-start systems offer a number of benefits, including:
* **Fuel savings:** Engine stop-start systems can save fuel by shutting off the engine when the car is stopped. This can result in fuel savings of up to 10%.
* **Reduced emissions:** Engine stop-start systems can also reduce emissions by reducing the amount of time that the engine is running. This can result in reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
* **Quieter operation:** Engine stop-start systems can make cars quieter, especially when they are stopped at idle. This can be beneficial in urban areas, where noise pollution can be a problem.
Disadvantages of Engine Stop-Start Systems
While engine stop-start systems offer a number of benefits, they also have some disadvantages, including:
* **Can be disconcerting for drivers:** Engine stop-start systems can be disconcerting for drivers who are not used to them. The sudden shutting off of the engine can be startling, and it can take some time to get used to the system.
* **Can shorten the life of the starter:** Engine stop-start systems can put additional strain on the starter, which can shorten its life. This is especially true if the car is frequently stopped and started in a short period of time.
* **Can interfere with other systems:** Engine stop-start systems can interfere with other systems in the car, such as the air conditioning and the audio system. This can be annoying and can make it difficult to use these systems.
Conclusion
Engine stop-start systems are a relatively new technology, and they are still being refined. As the technology continues to develop, the benefits of engine stop-start systems are likely to outweigh the disadvantages. In the meantime, it is important to be aware of the potential benefits and disadvantages of this technology before making a decision about whether or not to purchase a car with an engine stop-start system.
