Pressing the engine start button three times to protect your car’s electronics? Perodua says there is no need

Myths are ever-present, and the automotive world is no exception. To this end, Perodua has posted a video to its Facebook page where it debunks a number of car-related myths. The debate regarding the need to press a car’s engine start button once, or three times is one that seems to be ongoing, and on that matter Perodua has shared its view on what is actually required.

The Rawang-based manufacturer confirms that indeed, pressing the starter button just once will do. What of the often-circulated myth that the starter button needs to be pressed three times? The video states that doing so will only bring up the accessories mode.

This myth has its roots in the earlier years before keyless entry and ignition systems became mainstream, where it was said with some frequency that the car’s engine should only be started after the ‘check engine’ light has switched off, that is, to wait momentarily with the key in the ignition ‘on’ position before turning the key one more step to crank the engine.

The theory behind this practice is said to avoid giving a shock to the car’s electronics control unit and thus, damage as it goes through its systems check. This was, however from the Eighties and Nineties when electronics in cars were rather more primitive than they are today.

This is to say that electronics in present-day cars have become more sophisticated, and the system will go through the pre-start process typically in under one second. Additionally, modern systems will incorporate several safeguards that will prevent the engine from starting altogether if there is in fact a critical issue that could lead to further, major damage.

Therefore, don’t worry about pressing the start button three times in the interest of protecting the car’s electronics. The car will do just fine with engine starts on the first push of the button.

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