How to activate start & stop on the Audi Q3

The start & stop function is designed to increase fuel efficiency by reducing emissions by temporarily stopping the engine when not needed. The start-stop system starts automatically when the ignition is switched on, the system can be switched on or off manually by pressing the button on the selector lever in the center console, a red bar will light up and a message will be displayed in the instrument panel. In order for the start-stop to be activated, certain requirements must be met: the driver's door and the luggage compartment must be closed; the driver's seat belt must be fastened; the gearbox must be in position P, N or in position D; the steering wheel must be straight and must not be turned either to the right or to the left; no trailer must be attached to the vehicle. With all these criteria met, the system will work as expected: when stopping, press and hold the brake pedal, the start and the light showing the start-stop symbol appears in the instrument panel; once the engine has stopped, the engine can restart at any time to meet the power requirements of the system. When the driver's foot is lifted off the brake pedal or the steering wheel is turned even slightly, the engine restarts, if the start-stop system has switched off the engine and the driver unfastens the seat belt and opens the driver's door the engine will remain deactivated and the electronic parking brake will engage; if the driver's door is closed and the seat belt is reconnected the engine will restart and the parking brake will be released when the accelerator is pressed. Various conditions can affect the activation of the system such as external temperature, internal temperature and battery charge; for example, if the conditions do not allow the system to be activated and the engine remains running, the start-stop symbol on the instrument panel turns white and has a diagonal line crossing it; multiple short-term shutdowns can cause temporary deactivation until the system is again at maximum activation capability. When the start-stop system is in operation, it can help increase fuel economy while also reducing emissions.