A Way to Save Fuel on Your Vehicle

How to save fuel is a great concern in our daily lives. With the fluctuation of fuel prices and the rise of environmental awareness, we gradually start to pay attention to how to reduce fuel consumption by changing our driving habits and vehicle maintenance. For example, maintaining proper tire pressure, reducing unnecessary weight, and optimizing aerodynamic design are simple and effective ways to save fuel. These measures not only reduce the financial burden, but also reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. 

In addition, there's another way to save fuel for your vehicle, and that's by starting and stopping to save fuel.

The Working Principle of The Auto Start/Stop System

The core principle is minimizing engine idling time. By shutting off the engine during stops, the system reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. Studies indicate that start-stop technology can lead to fuel savings of up to 15%, especially in urban driving conditions with frequent stops. On long highway trips, the start-stop system will be slightly less effective.

Start-stop Systems Demand Higher Performance for Car Battery

Compared to conventional vehicles, start-stop technology starts the vehicle engine frequently and shuts it down when stopped, posing higher challenges to the battery's charging and discharging capabilities, durability and power supply stability.

Why Are Start-Stop Systems Tougher on Batteries? 

1. More Engine Starts

The battery has to start the engine many more times than in a regular car.

2. Powering Electronics When Engine Is Off

When the engine shuts off at a red light or during traffic, the battery alone must continue powering headlights, infotainment systems, air conditioning, and other electronic components. This increases the depth of discharge and demands greater reserve capacity.

3. Needs to Recharge Quickly

The battery must absorb charge quickly when the car is moving again, which regular batteries struggle with.

Battery Technology for Start-Stop Systems

Now, there are two battery technologies that may be able to meet the demand for high start-stop batteries, one is EFB battery, another one is AGM battery.

• EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery): Suitable for vehicles with basic start-stop systems. Offers improved cycling performance and better charge acceptance than standard flooded batteries.
• AGM Battery (Absorbent Glass Mat): Required for vehicles with advanced start-stop systems and higher electrical loads. AGM batteries provide superior deep cycling, faster recharge, and excellent durability under frequent high-drain conditions.

If you're looking for a smart and sustainable way to save fuel, adopting vehicles with start-stop systems—or upgrading your battery to support one—is a great choice. 

Here is a blog about “How to Choose the Right AGM Car Battery: A Complete Guide.”