How the Idling Stop System Works on Vehicles You Need to Know!

In a world that is constantly changing towards sustainability and efficiency, the automotive industry has been constantly innovating to bring environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient solutions. One of the latest technologies that has gained attention is the Idling Stop System. By offering the ability to shut off a vehicle’s engine when stopped at idle, this system not only brings benefits to the environment, but also to motorists’ pockets.

This article TransTRACK will explore the concept, workings, and purpose of the Idling Stop System. From fuel economy to its positive impact on engine life, we will discuss why this technology is increasingly becoming a focus in the modern automotive industry. Let’s start by understanding the basics of the Idling Stop System and how it works to change the way we interact with our vehicles on a daily basis.

What is idling stop system and its functions

An idling stop system is a technology designed to reduce a vehicle’s fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by automatically turning off the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill, such as at a traffic light or at a standstill, and then automatically restarting it when the driver wants to continue traveling.

Nonetheless, some drivers may find the idling stop system a nuisance as the process of automatically starting and stopping the engine may interfere with driving comfort or cause a slight delay in response when resuming the journey. But overall, this technology has a positive impact on fuel efficiency and the environment.

How an idling stop system works

The idling stop system usually involves several sensors and controllers in the vehicle to monitor the condition of various vehicle systems and decide when to turn off and restart the engine. Here are the general steps of how an idling stop system works:

Vehicle Condition Detection

The system uses various sensors to monitor various parameters, such as vehicle speed, gas pedal pressure, brake pressure, engine temperature, and others. Based on the data from these sensors, the system determines whether the vehicle is stationary or not.

Determination of Eligibility to Turn Off the Engine

Upon detecting that the vehicle is at a standstill (such as at a traffic light), the system evaluates whether certain conditions have been met to shut down the engine. For example, the system might consider whether the cooling system has reached the optimal temperature, whether the air conditioning is active, or whether the vehicle’s battery has enough power to restart the engine.

Engine Shutdown

If the conditions are met and there is no need to keep the engine running (such as to maintain electrical power supply or maintain environmental conditions in the vehicle), the system will decide to shut down the engine. This is usually done by shutting off the fuel flow to the engine and extinguishing the flame in the combustion chamber.

Monitoring Conditions to Restart the Engine

While the vehicle is stopped, the system continues to monitor environmental conditions and vehicle parameters. When the system detects that the driver is about to resume traveling (for example, by stepping on the accelerator or releasing the brake pedal), or if certain conditions requiring engine restart occur (such as elevated engine temperature), the system will decide to restart the engine.

Restarting the Engine

When the system decides to restart the engine, the fuel flow is turned back on and the flame in the combustion chamber is ignited to start the engine. This is usually done quickly and smoothly so that the driver does not feel any significant disruption in driving.

Using this approach, idling stop systems help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle exhaust emissions without compromising vehicle comfort or performance.

Purpose of idling stop system

The main purpose of the idling stop system is to achieve various benefits, including:

Fuel Economy

One of the main purposes of the idling stop system is to reduce vehicle fuel consumption by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stopped at idle. By reducing the time the engine is running unnecessarily, this system helps to save fuel significantly, especially in heavy traffic situations or when stopped at traffic lights.

Improved Energy Efficiency

In addition to saving fuel, the idling stop system also helps to improve the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle. By reducing the load on the engine and electrical system when the vehicle is stationary, the system helps optimize energy usage and reduce power wastage.

Increased Engine Life

An engine that is frequently shut down and restarted can experience less wear and tear compared to an engine that is constantly running at idle. Thus, the idling stop system helps extend the life of the vehicle’s engine and reduces the need for maintenance and repairs.

Comfort in Driving

While there are some concerns regarding driver comfort associated with the idling stop system, such as a slight delay in response when the engine restarts, overall the system is designed to provide driving comfort by reducing engine noise and vibration when the vehicle is stationary. By reducing the engine running aimlessly, the driver can also experience a quieter and more comfortable in-vehicle environment.

As such, idling stop systems are designed to achieve multiple goals that have a positive impact both economically and environmentally, as well as improving driver comfort.

Taking into account the great benefits of idling stop systems to save fuel, improve energy efficiency, and extend engine life, further solutions can be integrated for the optimization of vehicle fleet operations. This is where a Fleet Management System from TransTRACK comes into play.

By using TransTRACK’s Fleet Management System, you can take the next step in optimizing the performance of your vehicle fleet. The system provides in-depth visibility into fuel usage, driver patterns, vehicle maintenance, and more. With accurate and real-time data analysis, you can identify opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase overall fleet productivity.

So, don’t let the potential of your idling stop system go to waste. Utilize the advantages of TransTRACK’s  Fleet Management System to take your vehicle fleet to the next level in efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Contact us today to get started!