'Stop-Start' Technology Could Save You Money At The Pump

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Fluctuating gas prices have car makers racing to add fuel-saving technology to vehicles. AAA is offering advice about one new device. It's called "Stop-Start."

Tim Williams has more on how it works.

New technology is on the fast track, technology that kicks in every time your car comes to a stop.

AAA Mid-Atlantic advocates the new technology that will begin showing up more frequently in new luxury cars and trucks starting in 2013. Currently, about 40 percent of all vehicles sold in Europe and Japan have it installed.

The benefit is simple.

"The advantage of it is you're going to have better fuel economy and that you're doing good for the environment because you're producing less CO2," said Chris Storms, AAA.

Hybrids are already using it.

"The difference is that the 'stop-start' technology is for cars that don't have the hybrid system in it. It's just for the gasoline-propelled motors," Storms said.

Where 'stop-start' is offered as an option, it will cost about $300. With soaring gas prices and average driving, it could pay for itself in less than two years.

"I think it's outrageous. [Gas prices are] up, they're down. I don't understand it," said motorist Pat Robinson.

Analysts predict more than eight million vehicles in North America will be equipped with the "stop-start" technology by 2017.