Drivers warned that popular car feature could be damaging their engines

Motorists across the UK are being urged to think twice before relying too heavily on an environmentally friendly feature that could lead to costly consequences down the road.

While the automatic start/stop system may seem like a smart way to save fuel and lower emissions, experts at car repair finance specialists at Bumper have warned that frequent use could actually be doing more harm than good to the engine.

Now a standard addition in the majority of new vehicles, the start/stop function is designed to cut out the engine when the car is stopped, for example when waiting at a red light or sitting at a standstill in slow-moving traffic.

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Once the driver presses the accelerator, the engine restarts automatically. The system reduces unnecessary idling, helping to lower fuel consumption, improve efficiency and cut down on carbon emissions. However, industry insiders have warned that overreliance on the technology can lead to expensive repairs in the long run as the system can place additional strain on components that are essential to the longevity of a vehicle.

Experts from Bumper said: "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."

This advice echoes a viral tip shared by renowned mechanic Scotty Kilmer, who has over 6.6 million subscribers and more than 3 billion views for his car maintenance content on YouTube. He stressed that 97 per cent of engine wear happens during ignition, so constantly stopping and starting the car only increases the damage being done.

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Bumper's experts explained: "For drivers who mainly do short, urban journeys with frequent stopping, the risks are higher. Turning the start/stop system off when appropriate could help preserve your engine's lifespan and reduce long-term costs."

In most cars, the function can be turned off easily, with a dedicated button usually found on the dashboard. Once pressed, the start/stop feature will remain deactivated until the car is restarted. Bumper's advice is not to shun the feature entirely as it is useful in some situations, but to treat it with caution and avoid overuse.

They added: "If you're commuting through stop-start traffic daily, it might be worth switching it off — especially if you drive an older car or want to avoid premature engine wear."

With the rising costs of new vehicles and financial pressures causing many drivers to keep their cars on the road for longer, simple measures to protect engine life have become increasingly important. So to maintain your motor's lifespan, experts advise thinking twice before using the start/stop system.

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