Start-stop system: pocket and environment ally

NGK expert explains the details of the operation and the advantages and disadvantages of innovative technology that changes the way we use the car

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São Paulo, December 2022 - The start-stop offers drivers in large urban centres a great advantage: fuel economy. The technology is able to identify when the vehicle is parked at a traffic jam or traffic light and, automatically, turn off the engine to save gasoline, ethanol, reducing pollutant emissions and making the environment quieter. The system turns it back on only when the driver releases the brake pedal or triggers the clutch.

“O start-stop permite uma redução de consumo de até 5% de combustível dependendo da cidade por onde o usuário utiliza o veículo e das condições de trânsito no momento”, explains Hiromori Mori, NGK do Brasil Technical Assistance consultant. "In places with slow points, the index may be higher, whereas in cities without traffic jams the economy can be almost negligible", Compares.

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To install the start-stop a series of modifications to the vehicle is required. The assembler must change the starting system, that will be triggered more frequently. The battery should have a higher charge (higher energy density) and be in good condition to withstand the large amount of matches. Ignition and injection systems, in its turn, facilitate the entry of the engine into operation", mori details.

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Operating difference between start stop and start-stop button

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Although the names are very similar, there is a big difference between the two systems. The start stop is a button located on the dashboard of the car that allows you to start or turn off the engine. The start-stop is a system for monitoring the operation of the engine that has the ability to identify whether the vehicle is stopped in idling regimes. The drive may vary depending on the type of transmission: automatic or mechanical.

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The cost of components such as battery and starter engine are higher in vehicles with start-stop. In addition to the financial part, in cities with higher temperatures, the vehicle's air conditioning system is disabled when the system shuts down the engine. It is common for customers to disable the system to maintain air conditioning of the environment without abnormalities.

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Care of the ignition system

In addition to battery care, starting and loading system, the mechanic must observe whether the ignition system is working properly. "If the candles are worn, with carbonization residues or engine oil, or contamination by poor quality fuel use, they can make it difficult to start the engine, that is: the time the starter is driven until it goes into operation increases. This situation increases the stress in the system, which can lead to a reduction in component life", Mori comments. "In relation to the burning conditions of the spark plug, a mechanic can evaluate the scenario through a visual inspection and measurement of spark stress with appropriate equipment."

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In the big cities, where traffic is more intense, the number of drives of the start-stop starting system is much higher than that performed in a conventional vehicle. "In this case, we have to make sure that the system has a quick and smooth start. For these vehicles the maintenance of the ignition system, such as candles and coils, should be more judicious to avoid longer matches", advises Mori.

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Inspection of spark plugs

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A recomendação da inspeção do funcionamento do sistema de ignição é anual ou a cada 10 mil quilômetros. The exchange must follow the maintenance plan recommended by the. The great advantage of inspecting the conditions of the spark plugs is to identify the use of poor quality fuel.

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"We can identify possible mechanical problems, such as water infiltration into the combustion chamber, oil burning and even watertightness of fuel injector nozzles. All this diagnosis can be carried out by examining the spark plugs", finalizes the NGK specialist of Brazil.

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