FALSE START
‘Always turn it off’ – Little-known button in 95% of new cars that could save you from ‘destroying your motor’s engine’
Plus five other ways to extend your vehicle's lifespan
A CAR expert has revealed a little-known button in most new cars which he claims could save you from "destroying your car's engine".
Mark, who runs YouTube channel Exotic Car Play Place, explained how you could potentially save thousands in repair bills down the line.
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In a video shared with his 248,000 subscribers, Mark revealed some top tips and tricks to extend the longevity of your engine.
One of these focused on a feature which, according to battery firm , is present in "more than 95% of all new cars".
The automatic stop/start function was developed to cut tailpipe emissions and improve fuel efficiency by reducing idling time.
If the feature is switched on, when the car comes to a halt for more than a couple of seconds, for example at a red light, the engine will automatically stop.
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When you press the accelerator, it will fire up again without having to engage the ignition or turn the key.
While the function is useful to cut down on emissions, Mark says it can have a "major negative effect on the lifespan of your vehicle".
He urged: "You can deactivate the system by the press of a button.
"It's all for the sake to try and reduce emissions and knock down noxious gasses.
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"But it doesn't do your vehicle any good.
"That's why I always suggest turning that device off when driving your vehicle, that's just my personal opinion."
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According to Mark, this is because the feature can cause extra wear and tear to your engine, shorten the life of your starter motor and play havoc with your oil pressure.
Over time, the accumulation of damage could see you needing to replace your engine, which can cost thousands of pounds, so slowing wear and tear down is vital.
Fortunately, if you are concerned, most cars with an auto stop/start feature can switch it off using a little-known dashboard button.
It is usually marked out by the letter A surrounded by a curved arrow.
Simply press it for a couple of seconds and the function should disengage.
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Mark's six top tips for extending the life of your engine
- Turn off auto start/stop
- If you can afford it, opt for premium fuels with lower ethanol content (e.g. E5 rather than E10)
- Let the car warm up before setting off, especially in the cold
- Stay up to date with basic maintenance, especially fluid changes
- Never neglect a check engine light
- Let the engine cool down before turning it off, especially if it's turbocharged
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