Expert answer

Hi Kate,

There are loads of reasons for an engine's stop-start system to stop working (see our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature), but it rarely is linked with a dangerous issue. 

Saying that, there's no harm at all in bringing your car to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed to confirm that nothing major is amiss.

Best of luck with it

Expert answer

Hi Jackie,

There is no simple answer to that one I'm afraid. I assume this query comes off the back of this news story. That Ferrari cost close to €200,000 to convert, but every car is different - and the owner has a lot of input into the conversion, which can alter the price. 

Needless to say it is an expensive project to undertake by any measure.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

OK, we’ve had a look around on this one and we think we’ve found a possible solution. It’s true that the Irish insurance industry isn’t as up to speed as some others when it comes to conversions such as this, but the nice people at insuremycars.ie said that they’d be willing to take a look. They told us that: "The main concern would be who is doing the work – is it a professional firm or a bit of a DIY? An engineer's report would be required too, and it may have to be an engineer on the insurer's panel and this could be at the client's cost.” So there are a few hoops to jump through but it’s not a no. 

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

It’s hard for us to accurately diagnose a problem such as this without seeing the car, but it sure doesn’t sound right. Certainly, any time we’ve driven a GLC test car we’ve not noticed any such issue with the rear suspension, and there seems to be no common issue with the car that would account for it. I would suggest going back to the dealer and insist that they replicate what you’ve been doing to try and see if there’s an obvious problem. Maybe try and take out a dealer demo car and do the same with it as a test, too. 

Expert answer

Hi Clare,

Stop-start systems are a source of annoyance for a lot of people. We get so many queries about them that we wrote this feature you may want to read: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Saying all that, the point of a stop-start system is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, so it's seriously pointless to go on a drive specifically to charge up the battery to make it work. It could be that your battery needs to be replaced completely.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

There is no recommended way to deactivate the stop-start system permanently. If you turn it off using the button in the car, it will always come back on next time you start the car. 

Have you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to try to get to the bottom of the issue?

Expert answer

Hi Razanne,

If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.

Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Short answer, yes — the Discovery would be far, far more refined and comfortable than most pick-ups. That said, pick-ups are improving all the time, and models such as the VW Amarok are starting to get into the same ballpark as cars like the Discovery when it comes to comfort and quietness. They’ve still a little way to go yet, though.

Expert answer

Hi Bepin,

There are many reasons why a car's stop-start system will not work. And we get so many queries about it that we've put together this Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature.

Give it a read and if you're still not convinced, then bring your car along to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yes, it’s a very solid shortlist, although obviously we can’t comment either way on the Tiguan plug-in hybrid as we’ve not driven one yet. As for the Honda and the Toyota, the Honda is roomier and rather more engaging to drive (better for all those twisty roads) so is probably the one we’d go for. The new RAV4 is well worth looking at, though, and it has impressive performance, so it’s good for all that overtaking. Links to our reviews below:

Honda CR-V Hybrid review

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review