Ford To Offer Fuel-Saving 'Start-Stop' System 572
Ponca City writes "The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford plans to offer start-stop systems on many cars in 2012 that save fuel by turning an engine off when the vehicle is idling and quickly restart it when the driver releases the brake or steps on the gas pedal, improving fuel economy by 4% to 10%, depending on driving conditions. The system, common in Europe on cars with manual transmissions, is already in use in the US on gasoline-electric hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Automakers have been reluctant to add the feature to cars in the US because the testing method that the Environmental Protection Agency uses to determine fuel efficiency ratings doesn't include many stops and thus doesn't recognize the technology's effectiveness."
Re:Fuel-Saving? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Cold weather (Score:2, Insightful)
It doesn't turn off the accessories, so the heater will still work.
You DO know how a Heater works, don't you?
Re:Cold weather (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Buy a Ford! (Score:4, Insightful)
FORD: Bringing Golf Cart technology to the Masses.
Re:This would only increase engine wear. (Score:5, Insightful)
The conspiracy theorist in me says that this is just a way for manufacturers to increase their revenues for ongoing maintenance (as these engines WILL need far more regular maintenance cycles)
When was the last time you sold a car because the engine had worn out? As opposed to selling it because the body rattles, the upholstery is worn, the doors leak water when it rains, the paint is scratched, the windshield is cracked, plastic parts are broken, the dashboard is crumbling?
Re:Cold weather (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:I love the American way... (Score:2, Insightful)
That was not what he meant. The technology is tried and testes.
That's a load of balls.