What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
What is the battery life for cars with a stop/start function?
I have a SEAT Leon, the engine stops at traffic lights etc and restarts automatically when you are free to go. Recently the car does not restart and a message says restart manually.
Is this a sign that the battery is starting to fail? What is the expected battery life?
Is this a sign that the battery is starting to fail? What is the expected battery life?
Asked on 19 July 2023 by Colin Evans
Answered by
David Ross
Just like conventional batteries, stop start batteries will eventually degrade and require replacement. Depending on how frequently the system is activated, stop start batteries can wear out more quickly than standard batteries, but we would expect one to last at least three years from new.
We would suggest having your stop start battery tested, as this is the most likely cause of the system not functioning correctly. A SEAT dealer or independent specialist will be able to test the system for you and determine the problem. It is also worth noting that some stop start batteries need to be coded to the vehicle, making a job that most home mechanics will not be able to do.
We would suggest having your stop start battery tested, as this is the most likely cause of the system not functioning correctly. A SEAT dealer or independent specialist will be able to test the system for you and determine the problem. It is also worth noting that some stop start batteries need to be coded to the vehicle, making a job that most home mechanics will not be able to do.
Similar questions
I have some doubts about the benefit of this facility. Every time I come to a stop with foot held on the brake the engine stops and release the brake and the engine fires up. This means that the battery...
My stop-start engine stopped, as per normal, at a set of traffic lights - but then wouldn't automatically start again. Why's that?
What type of stop/start battery is fitted to my Mercedes B-Class and why has it failed? The car is less than three years old and the mileage is 28000.
Related models
Quality and refinement are impressive. Great to drive with sharp handling. Shares same base as contemporary Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.