BROWN AND WOOD SERVICE FAQ: WILL THE STOP-START FEATURE HURT MY ENGINE?

One of our Brown and Wood service offerings is educating drivers about the stop-start feature. This system, available on Buick and GMC vehicles, automatically turns your engine on and off in specific situations. As part of our Brown and Wood service FAQ, Brown and Wood Buick GMC answers the question: will the stop-start feature hurt my engine?

WHAT DOES THE STOP-START FEATURE DO?

The stop-start system automatically shuts off and restarts your engine when you’re at a complete stop. For example, the engine will turn off if you brake to a halt and then turn back on when you release the brake. It’s a convenient feature, but some drivers believe it harms the engine — a myth we’d like to bust.

DOES STOP-START HURT MY ENGINE?

Because the engine turns on and off frequently, you might worry about what it’s doing to your vehicle. However, the stop-start feature is designed to last for hundreds of thousands of starts so that it won’t interrupt your mechanical system in any way. You can rest assured that the stop-start feature isn’t impacting your engine’s performance or diminishing service life.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE STOP-START FEATURE?

With the stop-start feature enabled, your engine won’t waste fuel while idling. This improves fuel efficiency, emissions performance, and the vehicle’s carbon footprint. However, this feature isn’t forced on drivers since it can be turned off with a button press.

SCHEDULE GM-CERTIFIED SERVICE IN GREENVILLE, NC

Every GMC truck and Buick SUV needs maintenance over its lifetime, but all else being equal, the engine stop-start feature is one of the least problematic. However, if you notice an issue or simply want a thorough checkup for your vehicle, we welcome you to schedule a maintenance visit at Brown and Wood Buick GMC. We’ll ensure your car’s ready for anything!

Categories: Service