I feel like auto-stop should be on by default, as it's good for both the consumer (saves gas cost) and the environment (saves pollution).
But some people don't like it, and they should have freedom of choice. They pay for the gas, if they want to burn it at a stoplight they should have freedom to do so.
If I was in charge I would say: Keep the existing regulations where it's legally required to be present and legally required to be on by default. Add a regulation that says for new models, it's legally required to have a means of deactivation that can be done by a consumer or mechanic without manufacturer permission or special tools. E.g. a "secret" key combination that you can use to access a hidden menu, but it's not really "secret" -- e.g. it's explained on page 107 in the owner's manual. Just not easy to discover or do by accident.
From what I've gathered the stop-start is really tough on the engines, and at the very least requiring way more frequent oil changes than the recommended intervals in order to make the engine survive.
If so, I'm not sure how much the environment is saved in the end.
I feel like auto-stop should be on by default, as it's good for both the consumer (saves gas cost) and the environment (saves pollution).
But some people don't like it, and they should have freedom of choice. They pay for the gas, if they want to burn it at a stoplight they should have freedom to do so.
If I was in charge I would say: Keep the existing regulations where it's legally required to be present and legally required to be on by default. Add a regulation that says for new models, it's legally required to have a means of deactivation that can be done by a consumer or mechanic without manufacturer permission or special tools. E.g. a "secret" key combination that you can use to access a hidden menu, but it's not really "secret" -- e.g. it's explained on page 107 in the owner's manual. Just not easy to discover or do by accident.
From what I've gathered the stop-start is really tough on the engines, and at the very least requiring way more frequent oil changes than the recommended intervals in order to make the engine survive.
If so, I'm not sure how much the environment is saved in the end.