Not much actual fuel-saving benefit; massive potential problems if the battery goes flat

Potential Fuel Saving: Negligible

Annoying and pointless, except in absolute gridlock

The Federal Government offers this recommendation in itsGreen Vehicle Guide website: “By having the engine switched off, even for a short period, you will save more fuel than is lost … in restarting the engine. The net increased wear and tear from this practice is negligible.”

On the Calais V V6 we tested, one engine start appears to