Millions of drivers with 'stop start' button in car issued warning

Motorists are now realising that the on/off button in their cars does more than just save fuel – it can also dramatically cut emissions. Experts at CarBase stress that a stop/start system is vital for reducing vehicle emissions, especially in congested areas, and drivers are being urged not to disable this feature.

The stop-start system, also recognised as S&S, a micro hybrid, or a μHEV, plays a critical role in decreasing idle times, conserving fuel and limiting emissions. The experts explained: "An idle car still produces harmful carbon emissions, which is completely pointless when your vehicle is stationary."

They added: "Although you may only be stationary for a few minutes, every reduction in pollution helps. If all vehicles used this technology, it would contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, something that's becoming a major issue in many towns and cities."

According to experts from the RAC, vehicles equipped with this feature would "give off fewer emissions". They debunked common misconceptions, stating that on-off technology does not drain batteries or increase fuel consumption.

The RAC explained: "Regardless of how somebody drives there will always be moments when their car is stationary.", reports Birmingham Live.

"As a result, a journey using a stop-start engine will give off fewer emissions than the same journey without one."

Haynes noted: "But the main downside is a lot of people simply don't like the sensation of their car automatically turning off, and manufacturers have identified that many owners just turn off the feature when they get in the car."

"It's something they're not used to, and don't really understand, or fully trust. But our advice has to be to always leave Stop-Start engaged if your car is equipped with it."