Does Auto Start/Stop Wear Out a Starter?
Auto start/stop systems, which automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restart it when the driver releases the brake, have gained popularity for their ability to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. However, concerns about the wear and tear on the starter motor due to frequent starting and stopping are valid. This article explores the questions surrounding the impact of auto start/stop systems on the longevity of starter motors.
Starter Durability
Modern starters are designed to withstand a considerable number of start cycles, often exceeding 100,000 starts. Auto start/stop systems typically engage the starter more frequently than conventional driving conditions, but manufacturers engineer these components to handle this increased usage. The result is a more durable starter that can cope with the demands of frequent cycling.
Enhanced Components
Vehicles equipped with auto start/stop systems often have upgraded starter motors and batteries to cope with the challenges of more frequent start-stop cycles. These components are usually more robust than those in vehicles without such systems. For instance, the starter used in these situations combines several technologies to enhance its performance and longevity.
Battery Life
The battery in vehicles with auto start/stop systems is also designed to endure more charge and discharge cycles. Often, it is a specialized type of battery such as an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) that can handle the additional stress without degrading quickly.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the battery and starter can help mitigate wear and prolong their lifespan. By keeping these components in optimal condition, drivers can ensure that their vehicle’s auto start/stop system operates efficiently and without issue.
Conclusion
While auto start/stop systems do increase the number of starts a vehicle experiences, they are engineered to minimize wear on the starter and related components. With proper maintenance, a vehicle with this technology should not experience significant starter wear compared to traditional systems. Manufacturers and engineers have taken various measures to ensure the longevity and reliability of the starter motor in these systems.
Counterpoints and Misconceptions
It is important to address the counterpoints and misconceptions surrounding auto start/stop systems. For example, some car manufacturers, like Ford, have faced criticism for using what some consumers perceive as "tiny little lawn mower starters." However, this is not true. The start-stop motor used in modern vehicles is a highly optimized design that takes into account various factors to enhance durability.
Optimized Starter Design
A key feature of these start-stop motors is the optimized gear ratio. The gear ratio from the starter-drive pinion to the flywheel ring gear is designed to slow down the starter motor. This reduces starter motor speed in RPM, which is critical because 90 percent of starter motor brush wear occurs during the coast-down after the start has finished. By reducing the coast-down time, the motor's lifespan is extended.
Another important aspect is the composition of the carbon and copper brushes. These differ from traditional brushes to increase longevity and reduce wear on the commutator. Additionally, needle bearings are used in the rotating assemblies of start-stop starters, as opposed to oil-impregnated bushings, to further enhance reliability and reduce friction.
The decoupling of mechanical and electrical actions in start-stop starters is another notable feature. The solenoid decouples the mechanical action of engaging the drive pinion with the flywheel from the electrical action of stopping and starting the motor. This allows for a dedicated design that optimizes contact design and reduces wear on the contacts. Furthermore, this design ensures that there is enough current available for accessories and lighting during the start event, reducing the electrical load on the system.
Lastly, start-stop motors are integrated with sophisticated technologies that identify when each cylinder of the engine will reach top-dead center. This precise control allows for efficient and reliable start-stop behavior, contributing to the overall longevity of the starter motor.
Conclusion Revisited
In summary, while auto start/stop systems do increase the frequency of starts, the engineering involved in these systems is designed to minimize wear on the starter. With proper maintenance and specialized components, a vehicle with auto start/stop technology should experience significantly less wear on its starter compared to its traditional counterpart.