My car has this “feature”, thankfully there is also an option to turn it off. Granted I have to hit that button any time I start the car but still. When growing up I was told the same as you OP, that the hardest thing on an engine is starting so I don’t really understand this thing they have added to vehicles.
Starting the car is hard on the engine because after it’s been sitting a while, the oil has all drained out of the cylinder head and valve train, so they run with little to no lubrication at first. Because it takes a while to drain, it’s not a problem at short stops at traffic lights and such, so all you have to be concerned with is the starter itself, and the starters in cars with this feature are said to be more robust than in cars without it.
The issue with starting a car is that there is no oil on the metal surfaces and they rub together un-lubricated. With start stop, there isn’t enough time for the oil to drain out of the engine, so all the parts remain lubricated, so no extra wear.
They use much larger starters, and may replace the alternator and starter wth on electric motor (mild hybrid). Instead of a 1hp electric motor, it’ll be 10+ hp. On a full hybrid, the electric motor will have the power to move the car, so no issue just starting the engine.
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