A man has found a simple trick to disable a setting in his Nissan that he absolutely loathes. It may not be conventional—and it certainly isn’t manufacturer-recommended—but it has improved his driving experience. TikTok creator Ryan (@blackflagryan) says he hates his Nissan’s auto shut-off system. The Japanese automaker is one of several manufacturers whose vehicles include a gas-saving feature that temporarily shuts off the engine when you stop. Ryan, like many, doesn’t like it. There’s a whole subgenre of internet discourse on how to permanently disable the feature. As for Ryan, he says a fellow TikToker’s odd recommendation ultimately provided a solution to his engine woes. Ryan says they offered him this simple advice: "Just wedge a toothpick into [the] auto shut off button. All done." Can You Really Disable Auto Shut Off With A Toothpick? Here’s how the trick works: inserting an object into the crevice between the auto shut-off button and the car’s dashboard prevents the button from disengaging. Ryan tried it on his vehicle, but instead of using a toothpick, he tore up a sheet of paper. It was a success. "Yep. I haven’t had to touch this button in weeks," Ryan says. "And I’m the happiest man on the planet." How Do Auto Engine Shut-Off Systems Work? California-based car dealership Mossy Nissan states that auto shut-off is "designed to help your car save gas and reduce emissions during idle time." The mechanism is activated when a driver stops. This signals the vehicle to turn the engine off; when they lift their foot off the brake, the engine comes back to life. Additionally, Mossy Nissan says that "the system uses sensors and controls to time this process, so it feels smooth and quick." However, the dealership noted some cons, noting that cars with automatic engine start/stop components require specialized parts. These include "strong, most costly batteries." Moreover, frequent starting and stopping causes additional wear on a vehicle’s starter and battery. Not to mention that the "engine may take a second to turn back on," according to the dealer. Consequently, drivers may experience a jolt or shake while resuming driving. Do Auto Engine Shut-Off Systems Really Save Money? According to auto parts manufacturer CJ Pony Parts, auto shut-off does save fuel. It says that "roughly $1,010 a year" is wasted on gas costs from idling alone. However, CJ Pony Parts notes that starters on vehicles with these systems experience greater wear and tear. However, they are also typically equipped with more robust starter mechanisms to handle the increased starter load. For those worried about these systems damaging their engine, CJ Pony says to relax. It reports that these systems can actually keep engines running longer. "Auto start-stop is much better for engines than constant idling. And if most of your driving is on the highway, auto start-stop will have no effect on your vehicle," the website says. However, when it comes to saving money, it really depends on the type of driving you do. If you’re constantly in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, then you’ll see a difference in fuel economy. If most of your driving is on the highway, then you won’t really save money. Is Auto Shut Off The Most Annoying Feature In Newer Cars? While data proves auto engine stop/start features can have a major impact on miles per gallon, it does have its detractors—many of them. A Reddit user writes, "I really don’t like the feeling of a car not running, especially when I’m about to turn right." Like Ryan, they’re miffed by having to disable it every time they get in their vehicle. Some who replied to their post, however, said that they like it. One wrote, "It’s annoying for the first day but very easy to get used to and it does save fuel." Others suggested changing driving styles, like gently lifting one’s foot off the brake to ease into the engine turning off. "It’s second nature after the first couple days [of] owning one. I don’t see what the big deal is," one wrote. Motor1 has reached out to Ryan via Instagram direct message and Nissan via email for further comment. We'll update this if either responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
