Does auto start-stop drain your battery?

The start/stop feature of your car is designed to save fuel and lower vehicle emissions. AAA's engineering department did some tests and found that fuel savings have been as high as five percent. Regarding extra wear and tear, so far tests have shown no significant change in battery or starter motor life.

What happens if you don't use a stop/start battery?

A sudden escape of battery acid can cause a severe risk to health. Use of the incorrect battery technology in a start-stop vehicle results in more rapid deterioration of the battery. Because of this, as a result of overload, in extreme cases the battery acid may also leak.

How long do stop/start batteries last?

How long does a Stop Start battery last? Conventional lead acid batteries can last for up to 4-5 years if maintained properly.

Does auto start/stop really save money?

Most people think the amount of fuel saved using a start-stop system is negligible, but in reality, that fuel burned while idling at a stop adds up quickly. A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers found that using start-stop can see a car's fuel economy improve by over eight percent in heavy traffic.

Does automatic start waste gas?

Test results indicated that automatic stop-start systems provide a five percent to seven percent improvement in fuel economy and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with tests conducted on the same vehicle with the automatic stop-start system disabled.

Why Not to Buy a Car with Stop/Start Technology

Can start-stop be turned off permanently?

Can You Permanently Disable Auto Start-Stop? While every manufacturer allows you to temporarily disable auto start-stop, none give you the ability to permanently disable it. Fortunately, there are aftermarket autostop eliminators that will turn this feature off permanently.

Are start-stop batteries better?

Start-stop technology equipped with an EFB battery only switches off the engine in 39%* of all cases in comparison with an AGM battery. The combination of an AGM battery and a start-stop system is economical, powerful and dependable.

Do stop/start cars have two batteries?

Two different battery technologies are used for vehicles with a start-stop function. The decision about the battery technology used depends on what it will be used for. EFB technology is mainly used in vehicles with simpler start-stop systems and generally with high energy requirements.

What is the difference between a stop/start battery and a normal battery?

Unlike a regular battery which simply supplies a large current to turn the starter motor, a stop-start battery has enhanced cyclic performance which has the ability to discharge and recharge many times.

How long do EFB batteries last?

The EFB battery is for simpler stop/start electric systems with smaller engines. This battery can live from 3 to 6 years.

Can I replace a stop/start battery with a normal battery?

Many steps and more time for battery changes

In a car with Start-stop technology the battery must only be replaced with a type which has been approved by the car manufacturer and which meet all of the necessary requirements.

Will a normal battery charger charge a stop/start battery?

If your car has start/stop technology, you'll have an AGM or EFB battery. A conventional charger isn't suitable for these types of batteries and you'll need a 'smart' charger instead.

How do I charge my car battery with a stop-start?

If your vehicle has Stop/Start Technology, it will be fitted with either an EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or an AGM battery (Absorbent Glass Mat), so you'll need a smart charger to charge these types of battery safely. Before you start charging, ensure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion.

Which is better EFB or AGM battery?

For starters, AGM batteries provide more electrical energy than an EFB can and recharge up to five times faster. An AGM battery will also typically last two to three times longer than a flooded battery, with an average lifespan of five to eight years.

Can I replace EFB battery with AGM?

With an EFB battery you have two options: Either replace it with another EFB or install an AGM. The latter can increase the efficiency of the automatic Start-Stop system and result in a more efficient fuel consumption.

What is a stop/start battery called?

ECM (Enhanced Cyclic Mat) battery: Also known as an Advanced Flooded Battery (AFB) or Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) is designed to meet entry-level stop-start technology requirements. This battery is an improved version of the standard lead-acid flooded technology found in LSI batteries.

Is an AGM battery worth the extra money?

Definitely worth the price. The biggest perk is they hold their charge. You can charge it in the fall, come spring it's still 100% charged. I know mine has lasted quite a bit longer than my old lead batteries…that said, I never spent the money on lead then I now do on AGMS.

How long should an AGM battery last?

We can generally say an AGM battery can last two to three times as long as a flooded battery. In the commuter car example we referenced, if a flooded battery lasts three to five years, an AGM battery could last six to ten years or longer.

Should I get an AGM battery for my car?

Over the course of their lifespan, AGM batteries can start an engine more than 60,000 times. That's more than three times the starts you'll get out of a conventional battery. And AGMs recharge faster than typical batteries. Starting your engine depletes your battery only a small amount before the alternator takes over.

Does Autostop eliminator void warranty?

Premium Member. Installation of an Autostop Eliminator or similar device will not void your warranty unless the dealership can prove that the device caused a problem.

Do all new vehicles have auto stop?

2020 model year vehicles with start stop systems include the Ford® Fusion SE, the Ford® Edge SUV, and the Ford® Escape SE SUV,‡ to name a few. At General Motors, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500§ and the 2020 Chevy Malibu 1.5L Turbo are just a few of the models for which automatic start/stop is standard.

Why do new cars turn off at red lights?

The concept of the stop-start system is simple. It automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at rest to cut fuel use and eliminate idle emissions.

How long should you leave a car running to charge the battery?

Remember: After you've done a jump start, you'll need to keep the vehicle's engine running for around 30 minutes to allow the alternator time to charge the battery sufficiently.

What is special about a stop/start battery charger?

Stop-Start technology reduces exhaust gas emissions and fuel consumption by automatically switching off the engine every time the vehicle comes to a stop. However, cars fitted with Start-Stop systems also place a greater load on the battery.