Drivers warned over 1 button that could be damaging their engine

Motorists are being urged to think twice before relying on a popular modern car feature that, while marketed as eco-friendly, could actually be damaging engines in the long run.

The automatic stop/start system, now a standard feature in most new vehicles, is designed to cut the engine when a car is stationary, such as at traffic lights or in congested traffic, to save fuel and reduce emissions. However, experts warn that regularly using the feature could accelerate wear and tear on key engine components.

According to car repair finance company Bumper, the repeated halting and restarting of the engine puts constant strain on the starter motor and battery, potentially shortening their lifespan and leading to costly repairs.

“While start/stop systems are intended to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, they’re not always kind to your engine’s key components. The starter motor and battery are under constant strain, and repeated stops and starts can take their toll – especially over time,” a spokesperson explained.

The warning follows a viral video from US mechanic Scotty Kilmer, who claimed that up to 97% of engine wear happens during ignition. This means frequent stop/starts, particularly in urban driving conditions, could significantly increase long-term damage.

“For drivers who mainly do short, city journeys with frequent stopping, the risks are higher,” Bumper added. “Turning the stop/start system off when appropriate could help preserve your engine’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.”

The feature can usually be disabled at the touch of a dashboard button, typically labelled with an ‘A’ encircled by an arrow. While stop/start can deliver benefits in certain scenarios, experts say it is not suitable for all driving conditions.

With more drivers holding on to their vehicles for longer due to soaring replacement costs, small habits like disabling stop/start in heavy traffic could help prevent premature wear and avoid expensive repair bills.