Is the idle stop hard on the engine or is it safe to use all the time? Or are the certain times it shouldn't be used and turned off?

I have the 2020 RDX SH-AWD with the Tech package.

Thanks,

MP

 

Acura will tell you that it has no impact on engine longevity and starter. But I do not buy it, every time you start engine it puts a wear on starter and engine runs dry briefly before oil starts flowing. They did it to meet environment regulations.
I personally disable mine each time I drive. It annoys me when car shuts off at traffic light also.

 

Thanks for your comments. That's what I was thinking.
I don't like it either when I stop at a traffic light.

 

Ugh. This is one of those issues that I find very frustrating. I don't think people fully consider design requirements and the work of engineers.

Idle stop is just another engineering challenge. The engineering considers the increased demands on battery, starting system, main bearings, etc., and upgrades are made to meet the higher-demand design requirements.

Would wheel bearings last longer if the car was not driven? Sure, but engineers came up with designs and materials that consider the need to survive millions of revolutions while supporting the dynamic weight of the vehicle. They did the same for the AIS system.

I've grown to dislike AIS because I find it annoying. But I have absolutely no concern for engine life if used as intended. I know people will argue that engineering is not infallible, but that applies to every aspect of a car.

If anyone thinks Honda couldn't design an idle stop engine that would meet longevity norms, they probably shouldn't buy from Honda.

 

I always have mine active. Virtually every new car has it. Get used to it. Not trying to be blunt, just accurate. And, I agree with what DAJ123 said about engineering.

 

If I am going to make a left turn at a traffic light, off it goes.

Otherwise, sometimes I leave it on, sometimes I leave it off, it all depends on my mood.

 

This is technology that has been in cars since at least the 1980's. There might have been some early concern about whether it's safe for your engine, but I'm pretty sure all the kinks have been worked out in the last 40 years.

Whether it actually saves fuel/reduces emissions in real-world driving conditions, or is just too annoying to bother with are separate, and debatable, questions.

 

I basically leave it 'on' but just feather the brake pedal a bit to deactivate it, or coast to a stop and not give full brake pedal pressure in the first place...

on side note of some similarity, I do like the brake hold feature..

 

I am sure they considered it in the design. What is the longevity definition? Is it 5,10,15 years? If I have a choice to put less stress on the engine and starter, I will go for it.

 

OK, but do we then start limiting pressure on the gas pedal to keep turbo boost low? I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but if putting less stress on the engine is important, the turbo likely creates a lot more stress than AIS.

I'm not judging, I just discount most concerns that assume modern cars require owners to take active measures to protect them from normal, intended usage. But everyone certainly should do whatever makes them comfortable.

 

Fair point, we can't take all the fun out of driving to protect the engine. But many find that AIS is annoying, also it puts additional wear on the engine and starter.
I am also a bit skeptical in "modern cars" long term reliability, they used to make stuff that lasted forever, now its a different story. They are cutting conners on everything.

 

Just got my idlestopper installed on my TLX and it is working flawlessly! Waiting on my mechanic buddy to install one on my wife's RDX. The idle stop system no matter how engineered has to cause additional wear on the battery and starter at least. Not sure about the engine but would have to assume some additional wear just from all the turning off and starting back up of the engine. My dad would always say engine startup is the hardest on the engine for wear because of lack of oil. http://www.idlestopper.com

 

More so than any other component system that is actually used as designed?

Does using the AC cause "additional" wear on the compressor? Does opening the glove box cause "additional" wear on the hinges?

Not being self-righteous, but I just don't understand why idle stop is singled out as inherently more prone to wear than EVERY other system on a car.

 

It's taking me several months but now my automatic idle stopper (my right index finger) is working like a charm right after pushing the starter button!

 

Because it is the most annoying, I expect. But now you made me worry about the glove box hinges.

 

My automatic idle stopper works flawlessly also. Even after a long day at work and 39 mile drive home!

 

I was half asleep, possibly thinking of that button, when my wife said “you poke me with that thing once more, and I’ll cut it off.”

Maybe it wasn’t the auto stop button; I’ll never know, but I do retain all body parts in working order. In case you’re concerned.

 

I hate it so I just turn set the drive mode to Sport + everytime I start the car. Gives me better shift points driving the mountain roads here with the bonus of disabling the stupid idle auto stop.

 

I guess that is one way.
Ninety percent of the time I use the Comfort Mode. As a result, one should get significantly better fuel mileage than using Sport mode. I merely press the "OFF" idle stop button every time when starting. It is halfway between the Engine/Start/Stop button and the Dynamic Mode Knob. I assume when using the "OFF" button it would be good, uninterruptedly, for all modes.

 

The most logical answer so far.

And yes, those hinges are designed for only 1247 open/close cycles. My old VW had the Auto Open Over Bumps glove box that apparently used the reinforced hinges.