How to Use the Auto-Hold Function in the Car

Driving is part of every driver’s routine. It is associated with reflex and often repeated movements without thinking. At a red light, most motorists automatically press the clutch and the brake. Many drivers stay that way until the light turns green, then just hit the accelerator and the car starts again.

But there is a feature in the car that will save you that and make driving easier.

What is this function in our cars to facilitate its braking?

Auto Hold function – Source: spm

The auto hold function in a car is a system that holds the car’s brakes in position when it is stationary, such as at a red light for example. When the vehicle is in auto hold mode, it is not necessary to hold the brake pedal down to hold the car stationary.

Here’s how it works: when the driver presses the brake pedal and puts the vehicle in neutral, the auto hold system automatically holds the brake in position. When the driver wants to move off, simply release the brake pedal and step on the accelerator to restart the vehicle.

The auto hold function has several advantages:

It can be particularly useful in traffic jams or in situations where the driver has to stop and start frequently. It can help relieve foot and leg fatigue and make riding more comfortable.

It can also be useful in situations where the driver needs to keep the car stationary for an extended period, such as when talking on the phone or eating a sandwich.

Finally, it can contribute to improving road safety by preventing the vehicle from rolling when stationary. For example, if the driver has a moment of distraction and forgets to hold the brake pedal down, the auto hold system will automatically hold the brakes in place and prevent the vehicle from rolling.

The “Auto-Hold” function can be activated by pressing the relevant button, if the “control” with the brake pedal does not work. The button is usually located somewhere on the center console. The button is marked with the words Auto Hold, Auto H, Brake Hold, the letter A in a circle or simply a pictogram without a text label.

The system automatically locks and releases the wheels. With a button or a strong pressure, the system receives the information that it must activate Auto Hold. The rear wheels will be locked via the parking brake. The wheels are then released by the driver who releases the clutch, presses the accelerator and drives off. As a disadvantage, opponents of the Auto Hold system cite difficult parking, during which the wheels lock and the driver has to accelerate harder.

Is the Auto Hold function available on all cars?

Driving the car – Source: spm

This feature is not available in all cars, but auto-hold is becoming more common on cars with electronic parking brakes. The traditional handbrake lever is gradually being replaced by electronic parking brakes. The majority of new cars now come with this feature, and with this technology you will often get start assist and auto hold.

This function can be present on both manual and automatic cars. Some drivers complain that this function no longer works or that it is blocked, this problem is simply due to an imperfect contact or the button. The best thing would be to go to a mechanic to find out exactly what is the cause.

The procedure to deactivate the auto hold function depends on the car model you have. Here are some general steps that can help you disable this feature:

– Consult your car’s user manual. There should be detailed instructions on how to disable the auto hold feature. Follow these instructions to disable the feature.

– If you can’t find instructions in the manual, look for a switch or button that could be used to disable the auto hold feature. This can be located on the dashboard, on the center console or on the steering wheel. If you find a switch or button, press it to turn off the feature.

– If you cannot find a switch or button, you may need to deactivate the auto hold function using your car’s on-board computer. To do this you may need to use a specialized diagnostic tool or call a dealer for assistance

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Via SPM