If you have a car with an auto start/stop feature, you may have wondered if it wears out your starter. The starter is a device that helps your engine start when you turn the key or push the button. The auto start/stop feature is a technology that automatically turns off your engine when you stop at a red light or in traffic, and then restarts it when you release the brake or clutch.

The purpose of this feature is to save fuel and reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary idling. But does it also save your starter from wearing out? The answer is no. In fact, the starter used for auto start/stop systems is different from the traditional starter and is designed to last longer. Let’s see how it works and why it does not wear out.

How the Traditional Starter Works

The traditional starter is a small electric motor that spins a gear called the pinion. The pinion engages with a large gear called the flywheel, which is attached to the engine. When the pinion and the flywheel spin together, they turn the engine and make it start. The starter is powered by the battery and is controlled by a device called the solenoid. The solenoid is a switch that connects and disconnects the power to the starter. It also pushes the pinion into the flywheel and pulls it back when the engine starts.

The traditional starter has some parts that can wear out over time. These include the brushes, the bearings, and the solenoid contacts. The brushes are made of carbon and copper and they transfer the electric current to the spinning part of the starter called the commutator. The brushes rub against the commutator and create friction and sparks. This causes them to wear out and lose contact. The bearings are the parts that support the spinning shafts of the starter. They are lubricated by oil and can wear out due to heat and pressure. The solenoid contacts are the parts that connect and disconnect the power to the starter. They can wear out due to arcing and corrosion.

The traditional starter can wear out faster if it is used more often. For example, if you drive in the city and stop and start frequently, you will use the starter more than if you drive on the highway and rarely stop. The more you use the starter, the more you wear out the brushes, the bearings, and the solenoid contacts.

How the Auto Start/Stop Starter Works

The auto start/stop starter is a special type of starter that is designed to handle more frequent starts and stops. It has several features that make it more durable and efficient than the traditional starter. These include:

1. A different gear ratio. The gear ratio is the number that shows how many times the pinion spins for each turn of the flywheel. The auto start/stop starter has a higher gear ratio than the traditional starter. This means that the pinion spins slower and the starter uses less power. This also reduces the wear on the brushes, since most of the brush wear occurs when the starter stops spinning after the engine starts. If the starter spins slower, it stops faster and wears less. 
2. A different brush composition. The brushes of the auto start/stop starter are made of a different material than the traditional starter. The material is more resistant to wear and does not damage the commutator as much.
3. Needle bearings. The auto start/stop starter uses needle bearings instead of oil-impregnated bushings. Needle bearings are small metal rollers that reduce friction and heat. They last longer and require less maintenance than bushings.
4. A separate solenoid. The auto start/stop starter has a solenoid that is separate from the starter motor. The solenoid only controls the movement of the pinion, not the power to the starter. This allows for a better design of the solenoid contacts and reduces the electrical load on the starter.
5. A cylinder detection system. The auto start/stop starter has a system that detects when each cylinder of the engine reaches the top of its cycle. This allows the starter to synchronize with the engine and start it faster and smoother. This also reduces the stress on the engine and the starter.

The auto start/stop starter is not the only technology that helps the auto start/stop feature work. The car also has other systems that support the feature, such as a stronger battery, a smarter alternator, and a more efficient fuel injection. These systems work together to make the auto start/stop feature reliable and beneficial.

Conclusion

The auto start/stop feature does not wear out the starter. The starter used for the auto start/stop feature is different from the traditional starter and is designed to last longer. It has several features that make it more durable and efficient, such as a different gear ratio, a different brush composition, needle bearings, a separate solenoid, and a cylinder detection system. The auto start/stop feature also works with other systems in the car, such as a stronger battery, a smarter alternator, and a more efficient fuel injection. These systems make the auto start/stop feature reliable and beneficial. The auto start/stop feature can save you fuel and reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary idling. It can also save you money and hassle by avoiding starter repairs. So, the next time you drive a car with an auto start/stop feature, you can enjoy the benefits without worrying about the starter.

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