I have questions about the auto stop/start feature on the Panamera.
When it is enabled, if car stops at a stop light, etc, the engine automatically cuts out (leaving electronics on while engine is off). When light turns green, driver lifts foot off brake, and engine restarts allowing driver to resume driving.

Isnt continuous start/stop of the engine, many times during any routine driving trip to work/home, a bad thing for the engine?
Typically, starting is one of the more harsh things done to an engine. Am I incorrect in this train of thought? If continuous stopping and re-starting is not good for the car, why would a driver want to be using this feature (other than uninformed drivers thinking they are cutting down on pollution)?

Thank you for your enlightenment.

 

 

When you said you saw difference in gas consumption, which way was the difference? Were you using more gas with auto stop/start on, or were you using less gas with auto stop/start?

 

In ref to harsh on engine at start up that is mainly because of cold oil and circulation which would not be an issue under these conditions as the car is already running, warmer, etc..
For me, I hate this option and after two years have never had mine ON. Always OFF.
Some newer models may not be able to turn off and I wouldn t buy one no matter what.
IMO it just takes away from a drivers perspective esp
on a performance type car.
I would assume the other guy is seeing a little better mileage , if anything, and must do a lot of stop and go driving.

 

I know a common question is whether the auto start-stop features will add additional wear. While they have been common place only in the last 5 years or so, generally speaking a few things have happened that most car companies due to avoid early failure due to wear:

- Synthetic oil: This greatly improves the quick start oiling
- Changes to bears/start wear parts - most engines have been enhanced with the idea of triple the typical start/stop activities) to reduce early failure (better self lubrication and/or slicker)

Paul

 

 

Engine wear wouldn't be a concern, but it does put more stress on the battery and the starter motor.

Personally I hate the function, but it is not "uniformed" to think that it increases gas mileage and reduces pollution.