# What is the break even time for "auto stop"?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-break-even-time-for-auto-stop/1023995>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 15, 2025, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-break-even-time-for-auto-stop/1023995 "2025-10-15T15:10:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 30

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2025, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-break-even-time-for-auto-stop/1023995/30 "2025-10-16T14:58:00Z")

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> [@md-2000](#):
>
> That first minute starting with a cold engine and needing to get oil flowing is worse on the car.

Starting a cold engine is definitely hard on an engine, mainly because gasoline contaminates the oil, and thus compromises its lubrication performance. @Machine_Elf gives an excellent explanation [here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-start-vs-warm-start-for-cars/674556/7).

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