Modern cars have numerous features supposedly designed to simplify driving, but many motorists absolutely detest certain new additions. We've progressed considerably since the car's invention, with innovations arriving annually to introduce fresh technology into vehicles - including air conditioning installation, replacing manual window cranks with electric buttons, and incorporating reversing cameras to simplify parking manoeuvres.
These modifications aim to enhance driving ease and safety, as they frequently enable motorists to concentrate on the road instead of struggling with winding windows down manually or colliding with vehicles behind while attempting to navigate tight parallel parking spaces. However, according to one driving instructor on social media, not every recent technological addition to contemporary cars has proved beneficial - as there's one feature she "genuinely hates".
Aman Sanghera, owner of London-based driving school Clearview Driving, revealed she cannot tolerate the "stop-start" technology fitted in certain modern vehicles, which automatically shuts down the engine each time the car halts completely, before restarting once the driver prepares to proceed.
The system aims to reduce fuel usage and emissions, and while Aman acknowledges it can prove valuable during traffic jams or when stationary at red lights, she despises how it activates whenever she's paused for mere seconds at junctions.
She explained: "I genuinely hate the stop-start technology that you have in modern cars. I completely get what it's there for; it's to stop the car idling when you're waiting completely at a red light because it's bad for the environment and bad for everyone around you for you to just have those exhaust fumes going out.
"But, if you imagine you're driving in a town where there's give-way junctions one after the other, and most give-way junctions in the town are closed, so you can't see the new road until you get to the very end. So, as I get to that give-way junction, I pause. That pause might only be for a mere five seconds because I'm looking, scanning, making sure it's clear.
"But in the time that I pause, the engine switches off, which is very annoying because five seconds later, I'm going to go again. As soon as I get my foot off the brake, the engine restarts. So having the car do that constantly throughout the drive is really bad for the car."
Aman revealed she frequently disables the feature immediately upon entering any vehicle equipped with it. She stated she'd far rather turn the engine off herself when she knows there'll be an extended wait, such as at the car wash or during completely gridlocked traffic.
Is stop-start technology bad for my car?
The driving instructor's primary concern with the technology is her belief that it is "bad for the car" due to the engine being repeatedly switched on and off for brief periods. However, the AA describes this as a "common worry" that is simply not accurate, as vehicles equipped with this feature have reinforced starter motors and batteries specifically designed to cope with frequent restarts.
The AA's website states: "There's a common worry that frequent starting and stopping can harm the engine. However, stop-start systems are designed to prevent engine damage by using reinforced starter motors and batteries that can handle frequent restarts. These systems ensure that the engine only stops and starts under optimal conditions, reducing wear and tear on engine components and maintaining durability."
The AA also noted that, while the system does place additional demands on the battery, vehicles featuring this technology come fitted with more robust batteries to manage the extra load. Nevertheless, they advise "regular maintenance checks" to keep your battery performing at its best.
What are the benefits of stop-start technology?
Fuel consumption and efficiency
Stop-start systems can help cut your fuel costs by reducing idling time, particularly in built-up areas where you're likely to be stopping and starting frequently throughout your journey. By not leaving your engine running at traffic lights and junctions, your vehicle isn't burning fuel while sitting stationary.
Environmental impact
Turning off your engine while stationary also lessens your environmental footprint. According to The AA, you substantially reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions generated by your vehicle when you utilise stop-start technology.
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Stop-start technology automatically shuts off engines when stopped, but instructors find it disruptive for frequent paus
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This affects driver training and daily commuting where constant stopping occurs at junctions and traffic lights.
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The AA confirms stop-start systems use reinforced components specifically designed to handle frequent engine restarts.
