Motorists have been urged to think twice before relying on a popular modern car feature designed to save fuel – but could actually be increasing wear and tear on your engine.

The automatic stop/start system, which cuts the engine at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic, is found in most new vehicles and is often marketed as an eco-friendly upgrade. But according to car experts, regularly using the feature could shorten the life of your engine and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

While start/stop systems are intended to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, they’re not always kind to your engine’s key components. The starter motor and battery are under constant strain, and repeated stops and starts can take their toll – especially over time.

This warning follows a viral tip from US mechanic Scotty Kilmer, who said 97% of engine wear happens during ignition – meaning constantly stopping and starting the car only increases that damage.

For drivers who mainly do short, urban journeys with frequent stopping, the risks are higher. Turning the stop/start system off when appropriate could help preserve your engine’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.

The stop/start system can usually be turned off via a dashboard button, often labelled with an ‘A’ in a circle. While the feature is useful in some scenarios, experts say it’s not one-size-fits-all.

If you’re commuting through stop-start traffic daily, it might be worth switching it off – especially if you drive an older car or want to avoid premature engine wear.

With more drivers holding on to their vehicles longer due to high replacement costs, small adjustments like this can make a big difference.