Does the Fiat 500's engine stop system cause any damage from constant restarts?

This year I have bought myself a Fiat 500. I love it. When at traffic lights and I put the car into neutral, with the hand brake on, the engine cuts out. It is designed to do this to save petrol used while idling. You commented in your column last week that most engine wear occurs on start up. Is this a good innovation on the part of Fiat or a gimmick best avoided?

Asked on 13 July 2013 by PD, Datchet,

Answered by Honest John

Most engine wear occurs on start up from cold. Repeated starts from cold are damaging. Restarts when the engine is to temperature cause no problem.

Tags: stop-start starting problem

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